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Desktop Computer RAM Definition: Choosing System Memory

Computer RAM definition: RAM stands for Random Access Memory which gives the processor access to the information required to run programs on your desktop computer. RAM is a temporary storage area in your desktop that helps to determine how many programs you can run at the same time and how much data can be provided to each of those programs at any given point in time. In general the more desktop memory you have the faster your computer will run and the more applications you can simultaneously have open. More desktop RAM will also allow your computer to efficiently run at the maximum screen resolution possible.

Desktop computer RAM is like a hard drive except it's much faster and only stores data temporarily. Desktop programs are stored on your hard drive, but when an application is started it gets loaded to the RAM. If too many programs are loaded at once the RAM gets bogged down and the virtual memory in the hard drive kicks in to try and
support the overload. Hard drives are known for their storage capacity not their speed. You want your programs to run on the computer's system RAM and not the hard drive's virtual memory. To ensure this happens it is critical to choose the right amount of RAM for your personal or business computing requirements.

I recommend buying a desktop computer with at least 512 MB RAM. Cheap new desktops with 256 MB RAM have largely become a thing of the past. As desktop computer prices continue to fall we will likely see 512 MB computers begin to phase out as 1 GB becomes the standard minimum system memory we see offered for new desktops. I currently have two desktops, each with 512 MB RAM, that work great for web surfing and basic business productivity. If all you need is a basic desktop computer that can efficiently perform simple tasks like web browsing, email checking and sending, CD and DVD burning, and downloading or storing a reasonable amount of files, then 512 MB will do just fine for you.

If you're a video gamer or will use your desktop to work on large files or with complex applications then you should consider increasing your desktop computer RAM to at least 1-2 GB. You will be able to run more programs at the same time, enjoy better/smoother graphics, and work efficiently with large or complex projects related to business, school, or home finances. Here is a rough guide to how much system memory you should consider for your desktop computer:

Web surfing, email, and basic word processing or spreadsheets: 512 MB or more computer RAM

Large files(i.e. music or video) and complex productivity applications: 1GB or more desktop computer RAM

Video editing and digital image creation/editing: 2 GB or more desktop computer RAM

Serious video gaming w/ 3D graphics: 2 GB or more desktop computer RAM

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