03
DIY: How to upgrade computer memory
Filed Under (Home & Cost Saving Ways) by 4ever on 03-02-2009
The typical Windows XP program works fastest with 1GB of memory. There is no point getting more as it does not rev up performance by that much.
WHAT YOU NEED
A laptop, three years or older
A screwdriver suited to your laptop
A new memory module, from an IT shop
WHAT TO DO
1. Check how much memory you have already installed. In Windows XP, Go to Start -> Control Panel -> System. The General tab should say how much RAM (random access memory) you have. Anything with 512 MB and less is suitable for an upgrade.
2. Check your laptop’s brand and model to see the maximum amount of RAM it can take. It may already have all it can handle. To get that info, go to an online notebook parts shop or the manufacturer’s website.
If your machine can take more memory, note the RAM used - what ‘DDR’ type, the speed and so on. If you are unsure of what new memory module to buy, take a photo of the sticker on the RAM module or take the entire model, in a static-proof bag, to the shop.
3. Shut down Windows, unplug the laptop from the mains and remove the battery. Close the lid.
4. Touch a doorknob to discharge static electricity and take a small Philips (or x-tip) screwdriver (if your laptop uses a non-Philips screw then you may need to buy a screwdriver set).
5. On the bottom of the laptop or notebook, there should be a plate which covers the memory slot. Unscrew it. If there is no sticker showing where the plate is, you will have to refer to the manufacturer’s online instruction manual.
6. On some laptops, the slot could be empty.
If the memory module is there, remove it by pushing the two retaining clips outwards to angle it upwards so you can pull it out.
7. Align the new module to the notch, it can only be inserted the correct side up and the notch helps you find this. Push it in until it clicks in place. Push it flat and screw on the cover.
8. Power up the notebook and check that the new memory has been recognised. Note: Some RAM slots are under the keyboard. You will need to follow an instruction manual to access those.
HOW TO… get free software
Instead of paying for pricey office software such as spreadsheets and data storage, check out free online alternatives. The free versions can run faster and take up less space on your hard drive. Most-used features are also easy to access.
WHAT YOU NEED
A fast broadband connection
500MB of hard-drive space for new programs
A 4GB USB flash drive for portable applications
WHAT TO DO
1. The most frequently used free choice is Open Office, downloaded from openoffice.org, available for Mac or Windows.
2. For portable versions, go to portableapps.com for office software to be installed on a USB drive.
3. Webmasters know it is better not to install anything. They go to Google Docs where everything from e-mail to calendars to spreadsheets can be done inside a web browser such as Firefox or Internet Explorer. Other leaders in web office applications include Numsum.com and Zoho.com. Files created on the web can be shared through e-mail links.
4. If you need more than just office software, free programs almost as good as the paid ones include photo-editing with Gimp or Picasa. If you have good broadband, try an online photo editor such as Picnik.com, PXN8.com and DrPic.com.
HOW TO… get your own website
Sure, you can get a free e-mail address or set up a blog for free. But where is the cool factor of your own customised e-mail name or wow of a personal website? Short of hiring a consultant, here is how to do all that yourself.
WHAT YOU NEED
Broadband Internet connection
WHAT TO DO
1. Do an online search on ‘Singapore web hosting’ to find a host service that suits you. If you have a small business or just want a personal website, a low-cost provider is fine, but beware of dodgy operators. A provider based here is your best bet for quick helpdesk responses.
2. Go to the website and test the ‘helpfulness’ of its helpdesk. How hard is it to find a phone number on its site? What are its operating hours? Call the number to see how soon it is before you can speak to a human being.
3. Focus on service uptime guarantees - where to get refunds if your e-mail service or website is down for a certain time - flexibility in bandwidth costing, detailed billing and helpdesk effectiveness. Pick what suits your budget and bandwidth needs. Go for a low bandwidth initially. Do not sign a long-term contract, no matter how much savings it dangles.
4. Ask to see the websites of its current customers. Do the designs look good? Do the sites load quickly? Call the clients and ask if the free templates provided by the hosting company are easy to use and if it is hassle-free to update the site with new information.
5. Small business owners can try Google Apps For Domains. This has e-mail hosting and other corporate software tools in free and paid versions. Users can keep existing e-mail addresses.
Exerpt from Lifestyle Singapore 1st Feb 2009
Full Feed RSS
Hi, cool post. I have been wondering about this topic,so thanks for writing.
I really liked this post. Can I copy it to my site? Thank you in advance.
I really liked this post. Can I copy it to my site? Thank you in advance.
I found your blog on google and read a few of your other posts. I just added you to my Google News Reader. Keep up the good work. Look forward to reading more from you in the future.
Hi Kris, Andrew. Sure please feel free to add this in your site.
Dear all thanks for coming into the website. I have not been here for sometime due to work reasons. Would actively look into updating the site.
I admit, I have not been on this your blog in a long time… though it was another joy to see It is such necessary case and avoided by so many, even expert. I thank you to advice making people more mindful of possible issues.
Extremely great article, very informative information. Never ever considered I would find the info I would like in this article. I’ve been scouring all over the net for some time now and had been starting to get disappointed. Thankfully, I happened onto your website and received exactly what I had been browsing for.
As a Newbie, I am always searching online for articles that can help me. Thank you. I always wanted to write in my site something like that. Can I take part of your post to my blog?
Though I would’ve loved it further if you included a relevant video or at least photos to back up the explanation, I still thought that your post quite beneficial. It is usually hard to make a difficult issue appear easy. I appreciate your weblog and will subscribe for your feed so I will not miss anything. Awesome posts
Man that’s cool. I love DIY - it’s such a cash saver and … like they say if you want it done right, you gotta do it yourself.
I’ve been reading a few posts and actually and enjoy your writing. I’m just setting up my own blog and only hope that I can write as well and provide the reader so much insight.
I want to thank the blogger very much not only for this post but also for his all previous efforts. I found happy-4ever.com to be extremely interesting. I will be coming back to happy-4ever.com for more information.
Definitely agree with what you stated. Your explanation was certainly the easiest to understand. I tell you, I usually get irked when folks discuss issues that they plainly do not know about. You managed to hit the nail right on the head and explained out everything without complication. Maybe, people can take a signal. Will likely be back to get more. Thanks
yo fantastic blog yea nice work You are a very smart person!
Hey very valuable blog!
This is a great blog you got here. The theme looks nice, awesome color combination.
Hey, nice blog with good info. I really like coming back here often. There?s only one thing that annoys me and that is the misfunctioning of comment posting. I usually get to 500 error page, and have to do the post twice. - Don’t improve it into a flop! - Samuel Goldwyn 1882 - 1974
Hey, nice blog with good info. I really like coming back here often. There?s only one thing that annoys me and that is the misfunctioning of comment posting. I usually get to 500 error page, and have to do the post twice. - Content makes poor men rich; discontentment makes rich men poor. - Benjamin Franklin 1706 - 1790
Wasn’t precisely what I was trying to find but started reading the initial few lines and it was useful so ended up reading your entire post, thanks.
I really like this article, the content written in this article is very useful. I appreciate the write and his efforts to provide information about topic. It is a well-written article and is quite comprehensive and precise. The writer has command over the theme and it is a well-researched article. You will enjoy the content and can get information in easy and understandable way
Hi, You have some really excellent articles on your blog. I also like the theme and the layout as well. Nice work!
Hi, I want to say thank you for an interesting blog about a subject I have had an interest in for a long time now. I have been lurking and reading the posts avidly so just wanted to express my thanks for providing me with some very good reading material. I look forward to more, and taking a more active part in the discussions here, whilst learning too!! Here is a video of a home lighting plant some of you might be interested in viewing http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ADgxxVzC71Y
I like your writing style, and I’m hoping for more posts like this one.
Laptop memory is so very important not only in terms of the hard disk memory space but also the RAM that helps in effective data retrieval and usage. There is no wonder then that around the globe, when people look at buying laptops and notebooks, they look at the RAM requirements that they have to effectively complete the tasks that are at hand.
Hey, your weblog is really good, I discovered whilst in try to find trademarks info on yahoo and it has very related info on it. Are going to be certain to come back again once again and bookmark. Maintain up working on it
I bookmarked this link. Thank you for good job!
Aw, this was a really quality post. In theory I’d like to write like this too - taking time and real effort to make a good article… but what can I say… I procrastinate alot and never seem to get something done.
Considerably, the blog post is actually the greatest on this worthy topic. I concur with your decisions and will thirstily look forward to see your approaching updates. Saying thanks will not just be adequate, for the phenomenal lucidity in your writing. I will at once grab your feeds to stay informed of any updates. Delightful work and much success in your business endeavors! Have a nice day
Pretty good post. I just stumbled upon your blog and wanted to say that I have really enjoyed reading your blog posts. Any way I’ll be subscribing to your feed and I hope you post again soon.
I thought it was going to be some boring old post, but it really compensated for my time. I will post a link to this page on my blog. I am sure my visitors will find that very useful.
Easily, the post is actually the greatest on this deserving topic. I agree with your conclusions and will thirstily look forward to your coming updates. . . . .
Thank you all. Please feel free if you need to use this info for those who are looking into taking some of the info. Just quote our sites, it will be our greatest appreciation.
Excellent posting. Looking forward to seeing you write much more about this subject.
Recently, I didn’t give so much thought to writing comments on blog entries and have left comments even less. Checking out your insightful page, will probably encourage me to do so more regularly.