How to Check RAM

Knowing how much RAM is available, is helpful in many ways as it makes it simpler to know, if there is enough space in the memory to run new programs. The compatibility of various new applications depends heavily on its amount available, and the knowledge of checking it can serve many purposes.

What is RAM?

It stands for Random Access Memory and it implies the memory or data storage capabilities of a machine. The data stored in it can be accessed at any point and without following any sequence (randomly), hence giving the name to the integrated circuit. Every computer has RAM chips on the computer motherboard in order to store the data and vital pieces of information. It has often been noticed that if a computer contains more of it, it works faster as the data retrieval process can be carried out easily and quickly.

How to Check Random Access Memory

On Windows XP
Users of Windows XP have many ways that they can use in order to check the RAM on their machines. Computer manufacturers have made this a highly simple task. This makes a lot of future installations and purchases simpler. Here are 3 ways.

• Click on the 'Start' menu and wait for the Start menu window to pop up. Right click on 'My Computer', and then click on 'Properties'. Choose the tab that says 'General'. You will be able to view the RAM on your computer here.
• Click on the 'Start' menu and then select the 'Run' option. In the dialog box that opens, type in 'DXDIAG' and then press enter. Your system configuration will open up in the subsequent window that comes.
• The 3rd option for you is to follow this trail of instructions. Click on 'Start' menu, go to 'Programs', go to 'Accessories', go to 'System Tools', and then go to 'System Information'. You can also view your computers RAM and configuration from here.

On Vista
You can follow the same methods of clicking on 'Start' tab and then either selecting 'Run' and entering 'DXDIAG' and hitting enter, or you can right click on 'My Computer' and select 'Properties' and then choose the 'General' tab to view your computers configuration. Another path for you to follow is select the 'Start' orb, then go to 'Control Panel' and select 'System Maintenance' in the Classic View. Now select 'System' and then check the system category to view the information about your computers configuration.

On Mac
People using Apple Macintosh computers also wish to check their RAM for the same purposes. The method is primarily the same, but the options and the items to select are obviously different. Try out this method on Mac.

• Click on the 'Apple' menu, and then select one of 'About This Macintosh' or 'About This Computer'. Now you need to select the 'More Info' button to get more information and to get what is known as the System Profiler screen. In the subsequent screen that opens you have to search for the 'Hardware' option on the left column and then select the 'Memory' tab. You will now be able to view details about your systems configuration and see how much RAM you have.

There are many purposes for which a person would like to know, how he can check RAM on his computer, and it is a fairly simple procedure. Once you have learned these steps you can view the details about your system RAM anytime you please.