For those who don't know what RAM stands for, it is Random Access Memory.

Memory Module

Example of a typical Motherboard - Click on image for a larger view.

How do I know how much RAM memory I have?
XP & Vista - Go to the "Control Panel". (a link to the control panel is usually found on your "Start Menu" in the folder called "Settings") - Within the Control Panel double click on "System". The window that opens will not only show you how much RAM you have, but it should also tell you what operating system you are using along with what "Service Packs" have been installed. It will also show you at what speed your computer is running at, as in 2.8 GHz and so forth.

How much RAM should I have?
XP  - Depending on the age of your computer system, your system may have come with as little as 128MB RAM. Shortly after XP's introduction Microsoft released a statement that Windows XP should not be run with less than 256MB of RAM. Soon thereafter, they announced 512MB of RAM to be the "basic sweet spot". By basic, I refer to making use of Word Processors, surfing the internet, doing basic photo editing, or running a couple or few program at once. However, if your life is becoming more digital, such as in recording or downloading music, burning CD's or DVD's and even doing basic photo touch-up work, then 1GB of RAM will be your best bet.
Vista - The most RAM demanding consumer operating system to date. Many of today's top computer makers, to show low prices in ads, under-equip their computers with too little ram. Vista supposedly can run on as little as 512MB RAM, but that would be like driving a tractor-trailer with a 4cyl engine. Many come with 1GB of RAM, but that will only bring you up to a six cylinder engine. Microsoft themselves recommend no less then 2GB of RAM.

Buying RAM
First, you do not have to buy RAM from your computer's manufacturer. They are always overpriced! - Two of the major manufacturers of memory for most of the top selling computer systems are Crucial and Kingston. (www.crucial.com) (www.kingston.com) If you know nothing more than your computer's manufacturer (such as Dell, Gateway, HP, etc) and its Model Number, which is usually imprinted on the computer, their websites can scan your system, tell you how much RAM you have, how much RAM your system can hold and how many memory module slots your system has and how many are still available. Once your system is scanned recommendations will be offered to you.
Note: Sometimes you may be shown you have no free memory slots. This is most common on low-end systems. For example, a low-end system may have only two memory slots. If both are in use, such as two 256MB modules, or two 512MB modules, to upgrade you may need to discard your old memory. An example might be replacing two 256MB modules with two 512MB or two 1GB modules and so forth.

Installing your new RAM - It's not that difficult!
IMPORTANT! - With the computer OFF, unplug the power cable from the back of the computer. You need to do this because the motherboard continues to draw power even when the computer is shut-down. After you have unplugged it, follow the instructions below. (note: after you remove the cases cover touch something metal, such as the power supply. This will help ensure you have not built up any excess static in your body which could damage the components you are installing.

Take the cover off your computer's case. It is usually a side panel that you will be removing and usually requires just two screws in the back to loosen the cover. If you don't know how to remove the panel refer to your computer's documentation. If you don't have this, visit the manufacturers website. Most all have the ability to download manuals, or even specific instructions on how to perform upgrades. Once the cover is off, you will see what is referred to as RAM banks. They are slots on the motherboard that have vertical modules in them. (click on motherboard image for an example of what they might look like).

If you are just adding ram to an empty slot, ensure the module levers are open. Insert the memory module with enough pressure to have the levers automatically lock closed. If you are replacing a memory module, push down on the levers to open. This will automatically release/loosen the ram modules. Then when installing, make sure the levers lock closed as per the previous instructions.

That's it. But, you might want to wait to ensure the modules are properly seated before putting the computer case's cover back on. Just put the power cable back in and then turn your computer on. You may receive a message that your computer is resetting itself to accept the new/increased memory. Once you have booted back into Windows, put the cover back on. If you used the Crucial or Kingston websites you should have the proper memory. If you get any error messages when turning the computer back on, odds are that the modules are not properly seated. This is why we waited to replace the computers cover.