Ram Memory

Does anyone know how to increase the Ram in my computer.
Can I for instance use a usb memory stick?
But how do I tell my computer "Hey this is to expand your RAM"
My Laptop an Advent with a big screen has suddenly slowed to a crawl when downloading despite having 21mb speed.
I do not want to start undoing the case and poking about inside the dam thing
Thanks

If you look on the bottom of the laptop there should be a couple of compartments that can be accessed by simply taking a cover off with just a few screws.

Your memory modules will be in there, easy to replace.

A USB memory stick is a file storage device - its like a hard drive not like ram.

nigel44 said:

Does anyone know how to increase the Ram in my computer.
Can I for instance use a usb memory stick?
But how do I tell my computer "Hey this is to expand your RAM"
My Laptop an Advent with a big screen has suddenly slowed to a crawl when downloading despite having 21mb speed.
I do not want to start undoing the case and poking about inside the dam thing
Thanks

Click to expand...

Download systems mechanic 30 day trial that will sort your PC right out in
no time..

If it has just starting running slow, it probably isnt the memory, if you upgrade it you will notice improvement, but you probably also have another problem.

Antivirus scan, and mechanics should help find the problem.

wowhaxor said:

A USB memory stick is a file storage device - its like a hard drive not like ram.

Click to expand...

The hard drive stores data. RAM takes that data from a stored state, runs the program while entirely within the ram, and then replaces the data when it's done. RAM is a type of file storage, but it's intended to modify data in real time, rather than store it indefinitely. I suppose, that in theory, it would be possible to actually permanently store data on a stick of RAM, but that seems awfully strange in practice.

A USB flash drive CAN be used as ram - on Windows 7 (and maybe vista), if you plug in a flash drive it'll usually give you an option right on the pop up prompt to "use this device to speed up your computer." It can be done on XP but it's been so long since I've used XP that I forgot how to do it.

And it sounds like a good thing, but if you have over a certain amount of actual ram (say, 2gigs) then it's not helping your system. But it can really help older systems, especially those with less than 1 gig of ram.

Windows ReadyBoost is the option that allows you to boost system speed via USB Flash Drives. Don't know how effective it is, because i have never tried it.

Right mouse click your Flash Drives Icon in My Computer and click properties, if available you will see ReadyBoost tab.

Thanks guys I bought system mechanic and installed it but it made no difference to the speed but it did find and clean a lot of junk files out.
I will have a look for that utility as it has Vista installed and 1gig of ram which I thought would be plenty for anybody.
I will also check the base for any compartments, screwdriver at the ready
Thanks againf