how do i check my memory and how can i get more memory without adding a chip? Does it effect my startup speed?

Answer 1

to check your memory u can go to the control panel then system in the lower right hand of the dialog you can see "xxx MB of RAM"
you can get more of your memory by installing some memory management programs most of them can be found @ www.download.com . some are free to try and some are free to use they might take few seconds of ur startup speed but they sure help getting more of your memory

Answer 2

You can enter BIOS on startup or Control Panel and System may tell how much RAM. In BIOS you can Enable "Fast Boot" if it not already. This bypass things like memory scan on startup and boot a little faster. Also, many programs when installed put them selves into the msconfig to start basic things so the load faster when you click their icon/program. Some of these less used programs can be unchecked in Start > Run > (enter) msconfig > Advanced tab.
If you have Windows 2000 you have to get msconfig if it not show when you type it in.
Memory (RAM) is not hard to add. Desktop/Laptop, they both easy. Cost will be what hinder a person. For a Desktop 512 MB of RAM cost around $40-50 depending on type (DDR, DDR2 etc.). Laptops cost a little more. Most people will say RAM the easiest addition a person can do to speed up their computer.
IF, you have Windows 2000 and want msconfig go here;
http://www.techadvice.com/win2000/m/msconfig_w2k.htm
It tell how you can either copy from an XP OS or just Download it here. Some may feel more safe copying it from a Friend's XP. This up to the individual.