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Random Access Memory

What is RAM? How much RAM do I need for a comfortable experience?

Random access memory (RAM) is your computer's short term memory. RAM makes it easy for you to multitask on your computer. We'll go into more detail about what exactly RAM is and how much you need in this post.

What is RAM?

RAM is short for random access memory. RAM is a fast and temporary storage space for data to be accessed right away or in a few minutes. The data it stores is the information your operating system and programs need to use while running.

 

RAM is temporary because it only keeps data in its storage space while your computer is turned on. When your computer turns off, all of the information stored in the RAM will disappear. It is only for immediate, short term use. To save data from applications in the long term your computer will put them in its hard drive (HDD) or solid state drive (SSD).

What does RAM do?

RAM is very fast which makes it ideal for loading and running applications. RAM will also let you switch between these applications quickly.

 

 

RAM lets your computer do many tasks such as browsing the web, writing a document, streaming Netflix, or playing games. Any sort of multitasking will take advantage of the RAM in your computer.

 

Think of RAM the same way you would think of your desk. Your desk lets you work on a bunch of different stuff at once. You can have papers and books readily available to you. You can easily access the information on your desk without looking in a drawer for it. If your desk was bigger you could have more papers or books on it at once.

How much RAM do I need?

The amount of RAM you need will depend on what kind of tasks you do and how many tasks you do at once. The standard for most computers sold at stores is 8GB of RAM, but this is not the only option you have. Some users may want 16GB of RAM because they want to play light games on their computer or 32GB of RAM because they are content creators.

 

 

Recommended tasks for each amount of RAM*Less than 4GB: This amount is only acceptable in certain operating systems such as Chrome.

At least 8GB: This amount is recommended for Internet browsing, email, word processing, spreadsheets, running simple graphics programs, flash games, music, videos or multitasking.

At least 32GB: This amount is recommended for intensive gaming, video or photo editing, graphic design or 3D modelling, and extreme multitasking.

 

*Recommendations were taken from Crucial, one of the largest memory manufacturers.

How much RAM do I have right now?

You can find out how much RAM your computer currently has by following the steps below.

 

On Windows OS

1. Click on the Windows Start menu and type in About your PC.

 

2. Scroll down to Device specifications.

 

There you will be able to see the amount of RAM installed in your computer and other device information.

 

On macOS

1. Go to the top left corner of your screen and click on the Apple logo and then click on About This Mac.

 

2. Stay in Overview and look for Memory.

 

Similar to Windows, you will be able to see the amount of RAM installed in your computer and other device information.

 

Share this post with anyone you think needs it. Thanks for reading!

 

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