Why do I need more computer memory

To help explain this we have put this section under 2 headings:

1. The Role of memory in a Computer
2. Memory & Performance


1 - The Role of memory in a Computer
People in the computer industry commonly use the term "memory" to refer to RAM (Random Access Memory). A computer uses RAM to hold temporary instructions and data needed to complete tasks. This enables the computer's CPU (Central Processing Unit) to access instructions and data stored in memory very quickly.

A good example of this is when the CPU loads an application program - such as a word processing or page layout program - into memory, thereby allowing the application program to work as quickly and efficiently as possible. In practical terms, having the program loaded into memory means that you can get work done more quickly with less time spent waiting for the computer to perform tasks.

The process begins when you enter a command from your keyboard. The CPU interprets the command and instructs the hard drive to load the command or program into memory. Once the data is loaded into memory, the CPU is able to access it much more quickly than if it had to retrieve it from the hard drive.

This process is similar to placing various electronic files and documents you're using on the computer into a single file folder or directory. By doing so, you keep all the files you need handy and avoid searching in several places every time you need them.

2- Memory & Performance
Adding more memory to a computer system increases its performance (in most cases quite dramatically). If there isn't enough room in memory for all the information the CPU needs, the computer has to set up what's known as a virtual memory file.

In so doing, the CPU reserves space on the hard disk to simulate additional RAM. This process, referred to as "swapping", slows the system down. In an average computer, it takes the CPU approximately 200ns (nanoseconds) to access RAM compared to 12,000,000ns to access the hard drive. To put this into perspective, this is equivalent to what's normally a 3 1/2 minute task taking 4 1/2 months to complete!

Upgrading the Memory on a PC or Laptop - If you've ever had more memory added to your PC or laptop, you probably noticed a performance improvement right away. With a memory upgrade, applications respond more quickly, Web pages load faster, and you can have more programs running simultaneously. In short, additional memory can make your computer higher performing, faster, more reliable, highly productive and far more enjoyable to use.

Upgrading the Memory on a Server - Server performance has a huge impact on the performance of a network: if a server is performing poorly, everyone on the network "feels the pain." So, while a memory upgrade on an individual PC makes a big difference only for the person who uses it, a memory upgrade in a server has far-reaching effects and benefits everyone who accesses the server.