Thursday, October 25, 2007

Make your PC go faster by adding more memory

From Group 1, Card 1

Turbo power your PC for higher performance

This topic was featured in Group 1, Card 5. Here, you will find additional advice and links to further useful items and information on the internet…

As time goes by, you may find your PC is not the machine it once was in terms of performance. It’s easy to forget that adding new faster programs and upgrades for your existing programs will make ever greater demands on it.

Although it may seem that the only option for the PC home user is to upgrade to a new computer, this is, thankfully, not the case. Modern computers are designed in such a way that anyone can upgrade and add individual system components. So what do you upgrade and how? In terms of noticeable performance and cost, adding more memory, or RAM (Random Access Memory) as it is technically known, is the most effective upgrade you can do.

So how does RAM affect your PC’s performance? Well, every program you have open on your computer needs a memory space in which to work and this is exactly what RAM provides. If RAM becomes full then it has to borrow space from your PC’s hard disk. One way to tell if your PC has insufficient RAM is to look at the green hard drive indicator light on your PC. If it is flashing constantly, it’s a sign that your hard disk may be working as memory space for your programs, rather than doing its proper job, which is to act as storage space for your files.

Luckily, adding more RAM to your PC is quite straightforward – you simply need to place a new RAM chip into the relevant slot inside your PC. It’s easy to find out how much RAM you already have. To find out how much RAM a program needs, check its system requirements on the packaging or on its manufacturer’s website. As a rough guide, if you are using Windows XP and plan to run a couple of programs at the same time, for example, an internet browser and a word processor, your PC should have about 512MB of RAM.

Frequently asked questions about PC-123-ABC

Q: How often will I receive a PC-123-ABC package?
A: Once you have ordered the Introductory Package, we will send you the follow-up instalments at regular intervals once every three weeks. If you would like to receive the packages more or less frequently, simply let us know.

Q: Can I get my packages faster?
A: Yes, of course. We can send you several instalments in one package. This also saves on postage costs. Simply let us know what you prefer.

Q: Do I have a right to return any instalment?
A: Yes, any package you receive from IMP can be returned within 10 days. If you wish to return a specific instalment, simply call a member of our Customer Services team within 10 days of receiving the package. This person will explain what you need to do.

Q: Can I have the packages delivered to a different address?
A: Yes, if you are not ordering PC-123-ABC for yourself, you can have the packages sent to a different address. The person to whom the packages are sent will receive a delivery note, but no details of the invoice amount. The invoice and the delivery information will be sent to you. There is no extra charge for this delivery service.

Q: Can I postpone a delivery?
A: Yes, we can send your instalment up to 90 days later.

Q: What should I do if I wish to return a package?
A: If you want to return a package within the 10-day period, simply call Customer Services. Please note: you will be required to pay the return postage.

Q: I ordered PC-123-ABC and still haven’t received my Introductory Package. Why not?
A: It can take up to 21 working days from the time we receive your order for your Introductory Package to reach you. If you have been waiting longer than 21 days, please contact us. We will then check on the delivery of your order.

Q: How familiar do I need to be with computers to use
PC-123-ABC?
A: Not at all! All you need is curiosity and an interest in finding out about what your PC can do. This collection is designed for beginners and those with limited computer experience.

Q: What computer set-up do I need?
A: All you need is an IBM-compatible PC with Windows XP installed. Some of the cards explain how to create documents in Microsoft Works or Microsoft Office programs (such as Word or Excel). Many new PCs come with these programs pre-installed.

What is PC123ABC?

Computer cards
Your 30 computer cards are effective and easy to understand. Step-by-step instructions and detailed photos take you confidently through any PC task. The cards will help you to:
» increase your PC speed
» protect your PC from viruses
» make secure online purchases
…and confidently tackle a host of other PC projects. PC-123-ABC is compatible with PCs running Microsoft® XP and Vista™.