One of the very best upgrades you can make for your computer is to install more memory. Usually it's more cost-effective than almost any other upgrade you might look at. And isn't that the purpose? To get the most bang for your upgrade buck.

Not only is installing more memory pretty cheap, most people can get it done for between $50-200. But, it's also the most effective as well. It can improve your entire computing experience. From browsing the web, to doing multi-tasking, having more than one computer program running. Its especially important in families where the computer is used by different users. As that can be very memory intensive.

The amount of memory you'll need depends on what you use the computer for. So called power users who are playing games, creating videos and DVD's aren't going to be happy with less than a few gigabytes of memory. But, at the very least, you should shoot for at least 512MB of memory, and 1GB if you plan on using Microsoft Vista.

What you must keep in mind is that sometimes its difficult to match the memory you need with the computer. You have to have the right size, and picking the right speed memory makes a difference as well. When you have a laptop the problem is especially apparent. Laptops are notorious for not having much space for memory, and being picky about the memory that will run in them. Usually the users manual or the website of the computer company can help you determine what type of memory you need to upgrade.

What you must keep in mind is that sometimes its difficult to match the memory you need with the computer. You have to have the right size, and picking the right speed memory makes a difference as well. When you have a laptop the problem is especially apparent. Laptops are notorious for not having much space for memory, and being picky about the memory that will run in them. Usually the users manual or the website of the computer company can help you determine what type of memory you need to upgrade.

There are numerous websites that give detailed requirements of many of the computers and the memory requirements of each. Most of them are provided by the leading memory manufacturers like Crucial, and are very good resources. .

Even if it looks complicated, in many cases upgrading the memory in your computer is the best way to improve the performance of your computer. It can delay the need for a new computer by months or years. Don't feel hampered by slow performance, upgrade today.