RAM

Short for Random Access Memory, RAM, also known as main memory or system memory, is a term commonly used to describe the memory within a computer. Unlike ROM, RAM is a volatile memory and requires power; if power is lost, all data is also lost. Below is an example image of a 512MB DIMM memory stick.

Over the evolution of computers their has been several different variations of RAM used in computer. Some of the more common examples are: DIMM, RIMM, SIMM, SO-DIMM, and SOO-RIMM

Determining how much RAM is installed and available.

To check how much RAM is available on your computer follow the below steps.

 Memory (RAM) and hard disk drive space are two completely different things. If you want to know how much information you can store on your computer see the how to determine how much hard drive space page

Windows Vista and 7 users

1. Click Start
2. In the Search box type "ram" without quotes and click theShow how much RAM is on this computer.

or

1. Click Start
2. Click System and Security
3. Under System, click View amount of RAM and processor speed.

View used resources

To determine the amount of available system resources, including memory, as well as what is currently being utilized open the Task Manager.  In the Processes tab you will be able to see what programs are using what resources. In the Performance tab you will have can see an overall picture of all the system resources.

Windows 98, ME, NT4, 2000, and XP users

1. Click Start
2. Click Settings
3. Click Control Panel and double-click the Systems icon.
4. In the General tab will be listed the amount of RAM currently installed and detected.

or

Windows 98, ME, 2000, and XP users can also run the System Information (msinfo32) program that comes pre-installed on the computer. Additional information about this program can be found on our msinfo32 definition page.

View used resources

To determine the amount of available system resources, including memory, as well as what is currently being utilized open the Task Manager.  In the Processes tab you will be able to see what programs are using what resources. In the Performance tab you will have can see an overall picture of all the system resources.

Windows 95 users

To check how much RAM is available on your computer follow the below steps.

1. Click Start
2. Click Settings
3. Click Control Panel and double-click the Systems icon.
4. In the General tab will be listed the amount of RAM currently installed and detected.

Windows 3.x users

Click File / Exit Windows. At the MS-DOS prompt type mem and press enter.

MS-DOS users

At the MS-DOS prompt type mem and press enter.

Note: MS-DOS 6.2 will not accept or recognize more than 64 megs of RAM when typing mem.

Linux / Unix users

Linux / Unix users can use top command, which will display the total memory detected by the computer, how much memory is used, and how much is free.

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