The Memory Men
For your computer to work, you need adequate RAM. Random access memory. It sort of keeps track of what's going on inside and does the multitasking at rather an alarming rate of knots. Well, at least that's how I understand it as a non-geek. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/RAM probably proves me wrong, but I don't really care.
My ageing but friendly machine was getting noticeably sluggish and a friend in the know suggested that I check out to what extent more RAM could be added.
So off we saunter to the manufacturer's website, where we are posed the following questions.
Name
Product
Range
Model
Serial number
etc. etc.
(Well - at least I didn't have to register, login, remember what my mother was once called etc.)
Athletic efforts ensue to retrieve this information, lifting the box up high and desperately reading tiny labels in the hope of reaching enlightenment.
Finally we almost get there, at least having some of the information, but unfortunately not enough to get full information on the site
A quick phone call to PC-World reveals that the particular type of RAM for this general range of PC was no longer stocked.
Bugger!
My friend says "Check out Crucial.com"
One click on the above URL and I am offered the use of their Crucial System Scanner tool and hit the appropriate button.
Photo link: http://i221.photobucket.com/albums/dd76/Textklick/Qype%20pix/439710d0.png
In seconds, it scans my computer, tells me the precise model number and spec, its configuration and their suggested upgrade. Effectively, it is telling me how much RAM I have, what the upgrade limits are, which particular upgrade options I have and which I should avoid (marking these in red).
Its the equivalent of being instantly diagnosed and told how many replacement kneecaps - of which shape and type - you require, if you want to run in the London Marathon.
Transparency rules!
I select, add to basket, go to checkout and receive confirmation.
In 18 hours, the 2 new cards arrive and get fitted. I switch on and whoosh!
We are turbo-charged!
If you think your computer is a bit sluggish, then try their scanner (if you are not geekishly inclined it might be worthwhile checking with one who is in the know).
They also do modules, CMOS sensors, microdisplays, multichip packages etc. but this scanning thing is brilliant!
Note: the image is their logo, to which they of course hold . read more
