RAM: Random-Access Memory

Goes with the article: Speed Modification with RAM, Page Filing & Visual Settings

RAM is the short term for Random Access Memory. This is basically the limit of how many processes your computer can handle at once. RAM is measured in mega-bytes. To see your RAM, press ALT + CTRL + DEL all at once, this opens up a process called Task Manager (if not, task manager should be a choice in the series of choices it posts). At the bottom right of this window, there should be an amount. That amount is the total RAM and page file you have on your system. (*Note: If you want to know more about page files, go to the link above.)

Ram Sizes
I hope this better explains why your computer is slow or why processes are so limited.
256MB-This is the smallest amount of RAM computers have anymore. This little bit is good if you just want your computer to turn on and perform very small tasks such as opening a web page or playing a music.
512MB-The next largest amount of RAM computers have. This allows you to have a little more room to do what you want. With this, you can play games on your computer that do not take up much memory. Still, with this amount of space, you can't play music, a game and have web pages open without those processes to start running slowly.
1GB-The most popular size of RAM for obvious reasons. This one allows you to have your background processes such as firewalls and anti-virus or anti-spyware to be running AND allow you to play games via your internet browser or however you wish.
2GB-Next most popular but that much more expensive. This RAM is typically for multimedia-based computers and those who are running many processes at once.
*Note: RAM goes all the way up to 8GB but they are the same as the 2GB definition.


Purchasing RAM
After hearing so much about this RAM, you're probably thinking, well hey! Where can I get some of this? Well, there are a lot of factors that go in with purchasing the correct RAM for your computer. I will write about it in a later article but for now you can research it on your own. Don't purchase until you have all the information you need! Not just any RAM will work with just any computer.

In Conclusion
RAM is the amount of processes your computer can handle at once. If you're looking to speed up your computer, that is an issue relating towards your processor. You still can help the processes you want to complete by closing out others that are not necessary.