memory or RAM?

Question

I have a MacBook, with 512 MB of memory. Since I started doing intense AutoCAD and Photoshop work, I've noticed the computer lagging behind a bit. If I do not want my computer to lag as much, and have the fan running very fast, what do I need to increase? Is it the memory or the RAM? Or is RAM and memory the same thing? Can someone tell me what I need to increase and what memory and RAM are?
If you dont know what you're talking about, dont answer.
Thanks to all.

Once I add RAM, will BOTH the Mac side of my comp and PC side recognise this increase?

Answer 1

RAM refers to the actual hardware components or modules. Memory is a section of usable RAM and/or hard disk space that is used temporarilly by programs to keep track of information during it's progress. In general, the space of your hard drive that is allocated to Memory is only used when the RAM space is used up. When that happens, programs start to run very slowly. There is nothing wrong with this, so you should not have to change any of those settings.

BUT increasing RAM is the best way to gain performance, especially with photo and autocad work. With your MacBook, you might want to increase your RAM to 1GB. If you get as much as your MacBook will take, that will help too.

Look up your MacBook at http://www.coastmemory.com - pick APPLE, then browse through the models to find yours. This will tell you what you have, and what it will take. CoastMemory guarantees that it will work, and their prices are good. Let's say that you have 2 slots, but one is already filled with a 512MB RAM module. Let's say that you decided to go with 2GB, with two new 1GB modules. After you get your NEW RAM from CoastMemory, you can SELL your old 512MB module back to them; so nothing goes to waste.

Good luck and Happy Computing!

Answer 2

RAM is Random Access Memory. You can look at the Crucial.com site to see if your computer can handle a RAM upgrade.

http://www.crucial.com/index.asp

Virtual Memory is different than RAM its definition is as follows:

Virtual Memory
This is system memory that is simulated by the hard drive. When all the RAM is being used (for example if there are many programs open at the same time) the computer will swap data to the hard drive and back to give the impression that there is slightly more memory.

http://www.crucial.com/library/glossary.asp

You can try increasing your Virtual Memory but it is really a poor substitute for lack of RAM. Not sure how to increase the VM for a MacBook however. You may want to look around to see if it can be done.

Answer 3

Well to start off with i guess you should know what RAM stands for... Random Access Memory. It is otherwise known as Virtual Memory. So yes...either way you say it is correct. Another 512 MB stick of RAM would not hurt.

As for your fan problem, this isnt necessarily caused by just a lack of RAM(or memory if you will). With what you have said, the lagging AND the fan, sounds like an outdated processor.

Best Things to Update(In order)
1. Processor
2. RAM
3. Graphics Card

Answer 4

Ram and Memory are the same thing and you should increase both the memory and the hard drive space so it does not lag. Also I think it is lagging because you may have viruses so I think you should buy and install MCafee anti-virus and Webroot spyware then run a quick check from both systems. Then everything should be okay.

Answer 5

The company that makes the ram for many computer manufacturers is Crucial Memory.
http://www.crucial.com
Go on their site and use the memory selector, and they will give you instructions or talk you through installing more RAM. which for AutoCAD
you should have at least double.
I used Crucial to upgrade my powerbook, I had the memory 23 hours after I ordered it!
Ram is random access memory, and there is a little panel underneith your computer you must remove, and two small latches you must unlatch. You will need a special screwdriver, if you don't have it go to Radio Shack for a tool kit, $14.
It takes 10 minutes to change. Disconnect from power, and touch metal inside the computer's case to neutralize any spark, as a spark my ruin a chip.

Answer 6

If you are doing AutoCAD you should definitely have more memory. Memory and RAM are the same thing. RAM stands for Random Access Memory. I would find out how much memory your MAC can handle, and max it out if you can afford it. Auto CAD is a hefty program.

The fan is just to keep your mac cool...it will run no matter how much memory you have in the machine.

Answer 7

RAM and Memory are the same thing,

RAM (Random Access Memory) allows your computer to perform the tasks so the lower RAM you have the slower your computer will perform. So yes, I suggest you upgrade your RAM to 1GB minimum if you would like to do Graphics.

Note: Installing memory in laptops is hard for people who don't know too much about computers so let a professional do it.

Answer 8

RAM is random access memory ..what ever u are running on ur window and not saving it ..its part of RAM ..once you save it ..it becomes part of ROM or read only memory or get stored in hard disk ...
so RAM is one kind of memory in ur computer ..there are some external memories like flash drive memory or memory sticks , external hard drive memory or there are so many cards avilable in the market.
my guess is 512 mb of RAM is quite good enough ..but if u want to increase RAM little bit ..it depends upon what kind of system do u have and how much it supports...if u have enough slots to hold RAM sticks in ur MAcbook..
u can get information how much ur macbook can hold from
www.crucial.com

Answer 9

Like the others have stated RAM will make some difference, but it sounds like heat also may be and issue. The clue is the fan is aways running. For every 1° F above normal temp you loose 3% of your processing capabilities.
I would recommend a notebook cooling pad to start with. They are cheap and even if your lagging was not substantially reduced it is going to extend the life of your notebook.
Heat Kills Electronics!

http://www.nextag.com/notebook-cooling-pad/search-html

Answer 10

yes the Ram is the internal memory the processor uses to dump info when doing calcs etc the memory uyou use to store files on is the hard drive hdd for short so improve ur Ram butt find out what the max ammount speed that the mother board can handel before a purchase