Tutorial 1: Simple PC Revival

Recently I was faced with a dilemma. My family's home computer was acting sluggish, to say the least. Our home budget was not prepared for a new computer but a computer is essential to our way of life. We use our computer for family photos, school work (both college and grade school) and all of our financial documents. Something had to be done...


I come from the disposable generation. TV's, camera's, phones, and many other electronics are more expensive to fix than they are brand new. So not knowing any better, I of course went straight to shopping. That's when my brother-in-law, the professional computer tech, stopped me. It turns out that computers break the electronic throw away mold. Without even looking at my computer he purchased RAM, brought it to my house and 10 minutes later it was faster than brand new!! The craziest part is how simple it was. 


Even a caveman could do it!!

So, before you do something irrational... 

through personal experience I know that there is big money to be saved reviving that old PC. If the average consumer can save as much as I did, imagine how the savings add up when a big company's IT department is able to perform PC revivals. 




Your old computer. (It might have more than memory problems!!)

Step 1: Determine your present and your potential

  

The Present:

          Before you purchase RAM, or any other memory upgrade, find out how much you have and what type. You can find out how much memory you have in the System information dialog box under physical memory. The System Information can be accessed by clicking start, All Programs, Accessories, System Tools, and finally System Information. Select System Summary and the amount of RAM is labeled Physical Memory in the list.


The potential:


            It's time to ask yourself how you use your computer. If you use your PC for surfing the Web and small word processing tasks the minimum required amount for your operating system. (Please refer to the manufacturer for this information). Oppositely, if you are into gaming, video editing, or normally leave several applications open at one time - consider upgrading.


Ram can be purchased in various sizes, typically 1-GB, 2-GB, & 4-GBs. There is also different types of RAM; RDRAM that is in pairs, DDR SDRAM has one notch, and SDRAM that has two notches. You can consult the your PC owner's manual to find out what type and how much RAM capacity it has. Or open the case and visual verify RAM capacity and type by the physical characteristics above.

Step 2: Open up




Turn off your computer and find what fastens the case. Some PCs will be tool-less that use "tabs" for a means and others will have a series of screws installed. Within the case of your PC is sensitive electronic equipment and by maintaining contact with the case ensures a ground that protects the various electronics.

Once the internal components are exposed locate your RAM located on the mother board and the currently empty slots.

Step 3: Plug it in


Now that you have a visual map and a plan install the new RAM card...

Insert new RAM card in open slot on the mother board.

Capture with tabs located on either side of the newly installed card.

Before you close up the case, give it a test run. 

Congratulations, give yourself a pat on the back with those hairy hand of yours because you just saved yourself a new computer.

Now, I realize that not everyone is as computer savvy as the test subjects in this blog. So for your convenience I have provided a link below to an instructional video published by the folks at "How Stuff Works".

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SiFIgSQOY7g