Add more memory to your system now that modules are a bargain

Boost Your PCs Performance Without Spending Big Bucks

One of the easiest and fastest ways you can increase the performance of your personal computer running Windows 95 is to add more memory to your system. And, now that prices for memory modules are at an all-time low, it’s an inexpensive upgrade too.

By Joe Ebner

Even though the standard amount of memory in computers today is 16 megabytes bringing your system up to 32 megabytes of Random Access Memory (RAM) is good idea. With the new software tools available today hogging up memory at an alarming rate, it won’t be long before 32 megs is standard anyway.

All personal computers are made to be expanded and you can easily install more memory in your computer. It will take you about 15 minutes and extend it's useful life.

Determining Module Requirements For Your Computer
The RAM your computer uses is on chips that are packaged in a device called a Single In-line Memory Module, or SIMM for short. You can buy SIMMs that contain 4, 8, 16, or even 32 megabytes of capacity. The SIMMs slip into slots on your computer’s main board that are made to hold them.

Most computer main boards have two memory banks. Each bank will have two slots to hold the modules. One bank will already be used for the memory you presently have installed, so you’re free to use the other bank for additions. Click here for a photo of a typical computer main board and how to spot the memory banks.

There are three general rules that you must abide by for installing SIMMs in the open bank – both empty slots must be filled with a module and the two modules must have the same amount of memory capacity. The other rule is that the speed of your new SIMMs must be the same as the speed of those already in your computer. In other words, if you’re going to add 16 megabytes to your system you must purchase and install two 8 megabyte modules.

You will find the information about the memory you already have in your system by reading the reference material that came with your computer. Or, if you don’t have the information, you should be able to get it from the manufacturer. You will need to have the machine’s model number and serial number for the company when you call. While you have the manufacturer on the phone you can check with them about their prices on the modules you need.

Getting into the machine
This is the part that scares a lot of computer novices. You’re going to have to take your computer’s case off and get inside to install your new memory modules.
The first thing to do, and this is important, is to unplug the computer from the wall outlet.

You will need either a slotted screwdriver (Phillips) or, a nut driver to remove the screws on the back of the case. Back the screws out and carefully slide the case off the computer and set the case aside. Don’t go poking around in there until you read the precautions below.

Rules for handling computer chips and parts
Computer chips are very sensitive to electrical currents and you can fry them easily with a jolt of static electricity. What you consider an annoying snap when you reach for a door handle can actually be an electrical charge of several thousand volts. Before you even take the chips out of the package you must take special care to avoid smoking them. Winter time is especially dangerous because you can pick up charge so easily moving around in the house. Even a small charge can render computer chips useless.

Some chip manufacturers include a little kit along with the modules. It contains a wrist strap – a paper strap about ½ inch wide and about 3 - 4 feet long. Imbedded in the strap is a thin strip of copper. You use the strap by wrapping one end around your wrist and connecting the other end to an electrical ground. The ground connection can be a water pipe or the metal screws that hold the faceplate on any electrical outlet.

If you didn’t receive anything like this with your new chips you can easily make up a grounding strap yourself with a piece of lamp cord, speaker wire, or just about any other piece of stranded copper wire. Just peel the insulation off one end enough to wrap around your wrist and the other end to attach to your electrical ground.

Installing the modules
Installing additional memory modules in most machines is fairly easy. Sometimes the most difficult part is locating the slots that hold the modules. Some PCs have a lot of extra ribbon wiring and expansion boards that hide the slots from view. You can move the ribbons somewhat to help you see better but, be careful you do not disconnect them from the components.

Once you find the empty slots the new modules are inserted at a 45 degree angle, then raised vertical. You will hear and feel them lock into place. They will only go in one way so you don’t need to worry about getting them in wrong. If the module won’t snap into a locked position simply turn it around and try again.

Finishing up
After you install the new modules you can button the case back up and plug your PC back into the power outlet. (You can remove the wrist strap now too.) Reconnect any peripherals you may have unplugged to remove the case. You’re now ready to re-boot your computer.

Most PCs go through a series of tests when you first turn them on. You may have noticed these tests and watched the screen as some cryptic messages appeared. One of these tests involves checking your computer’s memory.

As you turn on your PC and it goes through the boot-up process pay attention to the screen. It should go through a memory check. Note the total amount of memory should now reflect the additional memory you just installed. If the figure is correct you’re all set.

If you are using Windows 95, another way to check the amount of RAM in your system is to click on the My Computer icon. Select Control Panel then System. Under the General tab you’ll see a heading at the bottom labeled Computer. Your computer’s processor and the amount of system memory (RAM) is listed here.

Windows 95 Notes

In a case where your computer had only 4 Mb of RAM when you installed Windows and you upgrade to a higher amount of memory, you must reinstall Windows. This is because Windows installed a particular set of files that would let it run fairly decent on 4 Mb. When a system has more than 4 Mb, the Windows setup routine installs a different set of files.

To reinstall Windows and overwrite the old files on your hard disk, run the Windows 95 setup program from your original CD-ROM.

Results
With the addition of more RAM you should notice a marked improvement in your computer’s operation. Files will open faster and it’s now much easier to have several applications open at the same time. You will also notice that the dreaded hourglass icon appears a lot less when you perform a task. And, as new computer applications become more demanding on system resources, you’ll be able to take advantage of them now.