Typically, I would be the one asking questions, but today my father has one. He wants to know how to add more ram in his computer. I, only an adolescence can't answer it. Could you please explain the basics and steps for him? Amy

Hi Amy, Perhaps this will help... http://computing.net/howto/advanced/raminst/raminst.txt Frank

Thanks, my dad is now bugging me to ask, "Can you install memory from another computer?" Amy

Hi Amy... Swapping memory from "like" systems is very common. Such as sdram from one pc to another. You would do well to consult the owners manual for your memory specs and to insure compatibility. You might post back with a detailed description of the pc's in question...ok? Frank

Amy! It's fairly simple, but you need to know a few things first. Let's start with what you need to buy. Go to either one of these two sites. www.kingston.com www.crucial.com Enter the system information for your fathers' computer. It will tell you the maximum allowable RAM for his system, how many slots are on the motherboard and other information on getting the correct RAM to install. If there is already 256 MB installed and it will hold 512, add another 256. Make sure there is an available slot on the motherboard. If you don't have it already, download "Belarc Advisor". It is free. http://www.belarc.com/Programs/advisor.exe It will tell you exactly what he's got on his computer including how much RAM is installed and how much in each slot. It takes seconds to run and produces a window of easy-to-read information. That's the easy part. Once you purchase additional RAM, you will have to open up the computer to install it. Unplug ALL of the cables. Before you open up the computer, make sure you are grounded. Meaning any static electricity that might cause a spark inside the machine could fry it. By a static guard wristband - relatively inexpensive - to prevent this from happening. Intall the RAM stick into an available empty slot next to the existing full one. Press it COMPLETELY installed and clip both ends into place. Make sure it is in all the way or it will not be recognized and you have to start over. To find out how much RAM is installed, you can also hold down the windows key (lower left on the keyboard between alt and ctrl) and at the same time hit the pause break key (upper right on keyboard). Once it is in place, close up the box, hook everything up, start it up, do the windows key/pause break key thing again and the new RAM will "hopefuly" appear. There will be a noticable difference in performance. Good luck. Tim