There has never been a better time to increase memory capacity. Consider that the increased use of memory-intensive applications such as video encoders has already caused 1 GB configurations to go mainstream. With Microsoft's Vista OS release, well - let's just say that nobody expects any favors from Big Brother when it comes to memory use.

How much RAM does your PC have? If you run Windows XP , it is probably in the range of 512 MB to 1 GB. Older Windows versions will do the job with less than that, but as soon as you execute demanding applications or more than one application at a time, anything below 512 MB will likely translate into performance bottlenecks.

Of course, the more RAM you have, the better off you are - but how much memory do you really need?

Multiple software threads that run all at once every time you boot your PC continue to proliferate. Multitasking software includes what we really need, such as anti-virus tools or firewall, or useful programs to which we have all grown accustomed that permanently run in the background until they need our direct attention. Most users, for example, have their e-mail client and browser permanently available. Instant messengers such as AIM, ICQ MSN or YIM increasingly pop up on a growing number of desktops, while a media player plays music while you work. And all of these consume some memory, leaving fewer resources available for applications that you want to launch.

Though maximizing memory on new system builds is as easy as choosing a standard kit, several questions arise when upgrading existing systems, especially when the builder is a major OEM. What memory speed and type is required? How much RAM does a particular system support? What issues might affect compatibility? Is there any reason to buy name brand RAM? And what resources are available to aid end users in selecting the proper product?

The staff at Computer Sharks USA can answer all these questions for you and install the proper memory for your system.