2006-08-26 20:02:40 · 6 answers · asked by rzn_880 1 in Computers & Internet ➔ Hardware ➔ Other - Hardware
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Random_access_memory
look there
decent amounts for windows xp is from 512 mb and above and the same for macs. u can go up to 16 gb on many configurable computers. go for at least 1 gb.
hope this helps
2006-08-26 20:07:23 · answer #1 · answered by sPoCoKeT 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
RAM memory is the "location" where all programs, applications, and documents you are currently running reside for quick access to them. For example, if you are running MS Word, playing music from a file, looking at pictures, and surfing the internet, all of this is taking up RAM memory (as is the operating system). The more RAM you have, the more things you can have running at one time without a noticeable slowdown. Also, you'll see a noticeable increase in response time when switching from one window to another if you have more RAM (to a point).
I would recommend (if you're running Windows XP) at a bare minimum 256MB of memory, but 512MB would be much better.
If you do a lot of gaming or playing videos, you may want more, but if someone tells you "max it out - get 6 GB or more" they're overselling. RAM is easy to add though, so I recommend starting at the low end and adding more if you feel you need to. There's no reason to buy more than what you'll use.
2006-08-27 03:08:53 · answer #2 · answered by firemedicgm 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The Purpose of RAM In pc the same with the Purpose of the BRAIN In human
2006-08-27 05:09:05 · answer #3 · answered by Momomada 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
All the programmes which are executed on compter are first loaded in full or in part in RAM and then executed or Run. Same is the case with data as well which is processed in RAM and then written back to media (hard disk typically).
How much is needed: all depends on what kind of programmes you want to run. Typically 512 MB for a simple internet and basic word processing should be fine. If you want to do 24 bit gaming then 2 GB is recomened.
Vista recomends minimum 512 MB, I think, but it seems beta vista will be really happy with 2GB so my personal recomendation for VISTA is 2GB.
Hope this helps.
2006-08-27 03:09:15 · answer #4 · answered by Keeper 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I have 256 mb and my XP runs like a champ; more is better with NT-rized kernel like XP; it is a comfortable size in Linux. Only in DOS based Windows like 98 there is a sweetspot in about the lower 2-digit range. Theoretical max by blueprint of PC engineering is several gigabytes. Practical max by boards are usually 1 or 2 gb.
It is used to store active stuff that you are using, because it is way faster than disks in comparison.
2006-08-27 04:22:14 · answer #5 · answered by Andy T 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
yeah what first guy said, but also try http://www.howstuffworks.com
you need ram for temporary applications, like downloading videos, etc
2006-08-27 03:10:36 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋