How Much RAM Do I Have?
RAM stands for Random Access Memory. Most computers come with
anywhere from 32 to 256 megabytes of RAM. It's important to know how much
RAM you have, because this will (along with other factors) determine what
programs you can run, how many programs at a time you can run, and how
fast your programs will run. Nowadays 32Mb is considered the minimum
amount of memory reuired to run the applications installed by the UM
Internet Access Kit.
Macintosh:
- If you are on a Macintosh, you can find out which version of the
system you are running by clicking on the Finder
icon, which is the icon all the way at the top right-hand corner of
your screen. Hold the mouse button down and select "Finder."
Then, click on the rainbow-colored apple in the
top left-hand corner of your screen. Hold the mouse button down, select
"About this Macintosh," and release the mouse button. This will
bring up a window that will give you information about your Mac. In the
middle of the window, you will likely have several pieces of information
about your computer's memory. It might look something like this:
- The number next to Built-In Memory refers to how many megabytes
of RAM your computer has without using virtual memory or a program such as
RAMDoubler. This is the actual hard RAM in your computer. In the case
above, the computer has 32 megs of RAM built-in.
- The number next to Total Memory refers to how many megabytes of
RAM your computer has, including virtual memory or RAMDoubler. In the case
above, the computer has 32 megs of built-in RAM, and an additional meg of
virtual memory.
- For basic purposes, you will only need to know these two numbers.
Often, they will match, since many people do not use virtual memory.
PC:
- In Windows 95 or 98, go to the Start Menu, then to Settings, then to
Control Panels. Double click on the System control panel. In the window
that opens, the total memory on the computer will be listed on the last
line on the right hand side.
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