Question for computer experts

[dave nz]

I always have a ton of net pages running (as I'm sure alot of sports gamblers do), recently did a upgrade of ram and it has helped with the speed.
I'm told the ram I have is enough, but still my main computer the speed is not as good as I want it.

Is the answer to get even more ram? is there a cap as to the max you can have before its not effective? I have no virus or spyware issues just want it running faster.

[Ricky Tan]

Computer memory requirements: How much memory do you need?

When it comes to adding system memory, the general rule of thumb is the more, the better.
Memory recommendations for how you use your system
OS software memory recommendations
Design software memory recommendations
Game memory recommendations


On average, doubling the amount of memory in your system will give you ample "space" to work and will make an obvious difference in overall speed. This is especially with today's memory-hungry applications such as office programs, multimedia editing packages, and graphics-intensive games. More memory allows you to run more programs at once, and your favorite programs will be easier to use.
If this is what you do:Here's how much memory you need:Casual User
Internet browsing, e-mail and listening to music 512MB-1GBFrequent User
Internet browsing, email, word processing, simple graphics programs and flash games, music and watching videos, multitasking. 1GB-2GBPower User/Student
Internet browsing, email, word processing, photo editing, video editing, graphics programs and gaming, intensive multitasking. 2GB-4GB*Professional User/Gamer/Graphic Designer
High performance gaming, multimedia editing, high-definition video, graphics design/3D modeling, intensive multitasking. 4GB-8GB*

Operating System Memory RecommendationsOperating SystemMinimum requirementsCrucial recommendations*Microsoft Windows® 7 64-bit 2GB4GB-8GBMicrosoft Windows® 7 32-bit 1GB4GBMicrosoft Windows® Vista™ 64-bit2GB4GB-8GBMicrosoft Windows® Vista 32-bit1GB4GBMicrosoft Windows® XP® Professional512MB2GB-4GBWindows XP Home512MB1GB-3GBWindows 2000512MB1GB-4GBMac® OS X512MB2GB-4GB

* When 4GB of memory is installed in a 32-bit Windows system, it only utilizes 3GB or 3.5GB. In this case, some of the addressable memory is reserved for use by page files or by some of the devices that you are using, such as a graphics card, PCI card, or integrated network connections.
Design Software Memory RecommendationsSoftware titleMinimum requirementsCrucial recommendationsAdobe® Acrobat® 6.0 Standard64MB128MBMacromedia® Studio MX™ 2004256MB512MBMicrosoft FrontPage® 2003128MB512MBAdobe Illustrator® CS128MB512MBPinnacle® Studio™ Version 9128MB1GB-1.5GBAdobe Photoshop® CS128MB1GB-1.5GBAdobe Premiere® Pro256MB1GB + Adobe After Effects® 6.0128MB1GB-1.5GB

Game Software Memory RecommendationsSoftware titleMinimum requirementsCrucial recommendationsHalf-Life® 2: Lost Coast™256MB1.5-2GBBattlefield® 2™512MB2GBBattlefield 2142™512MB2GBCall of Duty 2™512MB1.5GBStar Wars® Battlefront™ 2512MB1.5GBF.E.A.R ™, F.E.A.R. Extraction Point512MB2GBCompany of Heroes®512MB1.5GB-2GBNeverwinter Nights™ 2512MB1.5GB-2GBMedieval II: Total War™512MB1GB-2GBNeed for Speed™ Carbon256MB1GB-2GBTom Clancy's Splinter Cell: Double Agent™512MB1GB-2GBTom Clancy's Rainbow Six® Vegas512MB1GB-2GBFarcry 21GB2GB-4GBFallout 31GB2GB-4GBCall of Duty World at War1GB2GB-4GBDead Space1GB2GB-4GBBrothers in Arms: Hells Highway1GB2GB-4GBCrysis: Warhead1GB3GB-4GBMirrors Edge1GB2GB-4GBDawn Of War 21GB2GB-4GB

[ZoomVT]

Dave without going too on detail. If you have a lot of ram (4gb or more) I would look at The graphic card. His is where companies cheap out. You want a graphics card with its own ram even if it is just 256.

It can help to kill the browser every so often. I do it once a week. New browsers remember what pages were open when they are killed (not closed) and will reopen next time you start browser again.

[dave nz]

Thanks guys!

[Eleven]

It also depends on the condition of your computer ie maintenance etc. I have a whooping 384 mb of RAM and I can do the things a 'power user/student' can do on RickyTans list up above.

[Eleven]

Maybe you have too many things starting up with your computer Dave nz?

[Gfym_3kDeep]

If you are using windows go to Start>run and type msconfig

See how many start up items there are. A lot of them might be unnecessary.

[Sammy the Goose]

Originally Posted by Eleven

It also depends on the condition of your computer ie maintenance etc. I have a whooping 384 mb of RAM and I can do the things a 'power user/student' can do on RickyTans list up above.

Jesus Christ, 384mb RAM That is unheard of nowadays. I bet there's toasters out there with more computing power.

If you were to install more RAM (like 1g) you would notice an immense difference in loading and speed. It's very easy to do as well. Just find out what type of RAM you need, go grab a new 1g stick, take the old one out and plop in the new one.

If you can make a sandwich, you can upgrade your RAM.

[Eleven]

Originally Posted by Sammy the Goose

Jesus Christ, 384mb RAM That is unheard of nowadays. I bet there's toasters out there with more computing power.

If you were to install more RAM (like 1g) you would notice an immense difference in loading and speed. It's very easy to do as well. Just find out what type of RAM you need, go grab a new 1g stick, take the old one out and plop in the new one.

If you can make a sandwich, you can upgrade your RAM.

Youre going to laugh Sammy but I just recently did upgrade from 192 mb lol

[Kramer]

I recently had my email acct
hijacked from a third party sending to e1 on my address book , some co
never heard of
claiming sent from Kramer @ blah blah blah

thoughts ?

I changed my password , but really do i also have to change my user name
Foook

just some handicraft co out of Nepal ,
but still piss me off

[steel69]

Dave. I'm glad you brought up this issue. I just bought 2GB (2x1GB) cards on E-bay for $72.00. Like you, I have several pages running and I always want to open another, but sometimes its to much. Slows way down....I'm hoping this upgrade will help. My recent RAM is 512.

[Eleven]

Again though, it aint just RAM, I can handle about 20 open pages (I dont need too often) and not notice a slow-down, how many freaking open pages are you guys talking about that it slows down a 2GB rammed computer?

Some antivirus/firewall software really slows you down too.

[iggs111]

Originally Posted by Kramer

I recently had my email acct
hijacked from a third party sending to e1 on my address book , some co
never heard of
claiming sent from Kramer @ blah blah blah

thoughts ?

I changed my password , but really do i also have to change my user name
Foook

just some handicraft co out of Nepal ,
but still piss me off

Had this happen to me as well but everyone on my contact list got sent an email with a link to like a fake prescription med site. I changed my password and it has not happened since.

[Sammy the Goose]

Originally Posted by Eleven

Youre going to laugh Sammy but I just recently did upgrade from 192 mb lol

That's like going from a Chevette to a Hyundai pony.