My laptop is a few years old, and it's running really slow and I can't put any new programs in it because I don't have the space. The computer sales guy I talked to asked me do I want more hard drive space or more RAM? I don't even know what RAM is, so what do I tell him?
2006-11-02 13:06:48 · 20 answers · asked by Anonymous in Computers & Internet ➔ Hardware ➔ Laptops & Notebooks
RAM is your system's memory. If you are already out of space and don't want to remove any stuff from your existing drive I would consider purchasing another external drive for additional space. You can save space by removing old programs you don't use anymore, defragging your disc, or compressing the files on it. another alternative is to move music files and pictures etc to a usb flash drive, that could save you some space as well. More memory will speed it up but you can also go to start menu, type run, and then type msconfig in the empty space, select ok and in the window that opens there is a startup tab, click on it, there you will find a list of services/programs that attempt to start when you boot up. There are probably unecessary items in that list, that you can deselect and that may also speed up your system without the use of more RAM.
2006-11-02 13:14:34 · answer #1 · answered by micah 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
RAM is the memory that your computer uses when it runs a program. The hard drive is where your programs are stored. The salesguy just wants to sell you stuff. I would suggest deleting programs and files that you don't use anymore before buying a new hard drive. Odds are that you should get both a new hard drive and more RAM, as the RAM will allow your computer to run more smoothly.
2006-11-02 13:11:07 · answer #2 · answered by Shawn B 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
RAM is for Randum Access Memory. It stores the data momentarily when you are working in the PC. Where as the Hard Disc is the main storage device for all progeammes and data. RAM decides the speed of working. The hard disc decides the permanent storage limit. So if your computer is slow you have to ask for a ram of higher capacity. RAMs come in 32mb, 64Mb, 128mb, 252Mb,504mb And so on. Suppose if your computer is having 128 mb RAM you may be having the provision to to add one moe 128Mb RAM.
I can give you a link that deals with hard drive problems.
Some hard drive problems can be easily fixed yourself by using easily available tools. I found the info at http://fixit.in useful. Try this site.
2006-11-03 00:36:15 · answer #3 · answered by blsruthi 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Your hard drive is the perminate memory on your computer. When you turn your computer off. Your hard drive is what saves all the info on there. RAM is Random Access Memory. RAM is what you need when you are playing a game or when you have multiple web browsers up. RAM are the temporary files that you have. The more RAM the faster a intranet page will download. You need more Hard drive memory.
2006-11-02 13:10:10 · answer #4 · answered by Eugene 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
If you cannot add anymore programs because you are outta space then you need more hard drive memory. RAM is Random Access Memory. This is where the computer stores the data from what ever you are doing with the computer at that moment. Say you are surfing Yahoo.com well for the computer to display the webpage it first has to load the page's data. It stores this data on the RAM.
Your problem can be resolved by getting a larger harddrive installed.
2006-11-02 13:19:53 · answer #5 · answered by Slappin 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Ram stands for random access memory. Its just adding extra memory to your computer. That does speed your computer up. Before you buy anything, clean your computer up and do a good format. If you still find you have a lack of hard drive space, you can buy a new hard drive, for more storage room.
2006-11-02 13:08:19 · answer #6 · answered by Hicktown girl66 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
If you computer is a few years old, you may do better getting a new computer. If you have more hard drive space, you can put on more programs and more ram can make your computer slightly faster.
But it also had to do with processor speed and what type of processor you are using. I try to replace my computer after 3 years.
2006-11-02 13:12:38 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
The best way to explain it is to use a car as an analogy.
The RAM, is like the tires on your car. It applies the power of the processor (your engine) as efficiently as possible. The more ram you have the better your system will run (faster and more stable).
The harddrive is like the trunk if your car. It is where you store stuff.
Thus, to improve the speed of your system, get more ram.
512Mb is basic for a windows Xp based system, but 1GB is preferred. Also, if you want to upgrade to windows vista this spring, you will need at least 1GB
2006-11-02 13:14:23 · answer #8 · answered by modred189 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
RAM is temporary storage where things are stored to keep apps running fast, HDD is permanent storage, where you save files, etc. on the hard drive. you cant have a computer with 0 RAM or it wouldnt turn on, when starting up the system loads system files into the RAM. 0% hard drive space would mean you saved enough files to file it, like music, videos, etc.
2016-03-19 02:57:31 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
If your hard drive is almost full, it will slow down your pc a lot. It needs minimally 15% free space to run efficiently. Delete all unwanted programs and temp files on it. Uninstall unnecessary items.
If you add more RAM, it will perform faster and quicker which is always nice!
2006-11-02 13:46:58 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋