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Maintenance     Adding Memory      
Random Access Memory, or RAM, is a chip or set of chips that your computer uses to temporarily hold information or data that's used by your processor to carry out the instructions or commands you have ordered it to complete. The more RAM your computer has, the more efficient and fast it becomes. One of the main reasons your computer may be performing slowly or sluggishly may be the lack of enough memory resources; by the same token, one of the easiest and cheapest ways to ensure that your PC operates without much effort is to replace or add more memory.

So, what do you need in order to replace or add memory to your computer? First, you need to find out what you have, and whether you can add more memory, or replace it altogether. Go to crucial.com and use their Crucial Memory Advisor™ tool to check your system, they'll recommend what to do.

Once you've purchased the right memory type and size, you're ready to install it into your computer. Before handling any electronic components, you have to make sure that you're properly grounded. The easiest way to accomplish this is by touching the metal sides of your computer case, which equalizes the electrical charge between you and your computer, or by wearing an antistatic wrist strap, which can be bought at your local electronic components store, such as RadioShack or CompUSA. 

Please follow these steps to change/add memory to your computer:

1. Save your work and shut down your computer, disconnect all cables from the back, and open the case following your computer's User Manual.

2. Locate the RAM slots, see the figure to the right for a description of what you're looking for.

3. Remove the old memory modules, if applicable. To add new memory modules, align the notch on the memory chip with the key on the motherboard's memory slot, there is only one way that the memory chip can be plugged in, and push it into place until the slot tabs lock the chip into position.

4. Replace your computer cover and reattach all cables and connectors to your peripherals. Your computer should auto-detect the upgraded memory. If needed, refer to your computer manual for any configuration settings.