Upgrade Your PC's Ram

One of the best ways to upgrade your computer is to upgrade the RAM (Random Access Memory) that it has. This will accelerate the computer's complete performance. With all of the applications and hardware used today, it can be extremely challenging for your computer to keep up. When you upgrade your computer's RAM, you boost its overall capabilities. Read on to learn how to upgrade your RAM.

Find your computer's specific RAM requirements. Consult its manual to distinguish what type of RAM you have and what variety you can add. There are numerous RAM options available, but you must only upgrade to the correct one, or you could run into serious problems. Also, verify if you have to use “dual-channel memory” in your computer. This requires you to install “in pairs” to get the best results.

Purchase the RAM module that will work best on your computer.

Turn off and unplug your computer. Ground yourself with an anti-static grounding strap and remove the cover of your computer's tower.

Eliminate any other RAM in your computer that you no longer need. Locate the clips on the RAM module and lightly press on down on one. The RAM module is supposed to pop up and be detached without difficulty.

Carefully remove the new RAM from its static-free packaging. Do not handle the RAM module's circuitry, but hold it from the sides.

Install new RAM. Open the clips at both ends of the RAM socket. You can do this by lightly press on down on them. Match up the new RAM module with the slot – there is ONLY one way for the RAM module to be inserted correctly. Push lightly, but firmly on the top of the module to secure the RAM, it should “click” when it is properly put in. If you have any difficulty trying to do this, make sure you are lining up the RAM module properly. Verify that the clips are securely holding the RAM modules.

Replace the cover of your PC. Plug in your computer and turn it on.

Upgrade Your Graphics

It definitely depends on what you are using your computer for, as to what may be required to give you the best graphics on it. It is always a good idea to keep your graphics card up to date, and this is one of the easiest ways to upgrade your computer's graphics. If you upgrade your graphics card, you will be able to run all of your multimedia applications quicker. It does not matter if you use your system for basic email and web surfing, your work activities, playing the latest game on it or for creating family albums and movies; you should constantly upgrade your graphics card.

Find your graphic card information. Before you can upgrade your graphics card, you need to know what you have and what your motherboard can handle. Click on “Start," “Control Panel," “Appearance and Themes,” then “Display” and the “Settings” tab. The name of your graphics card will be displayed. Check the graphics card website to find out all of the information pertaining to your card. In addition, check your computer's manufacturers website to find out what cards will work in your system.

Buy a new graphics card that will be compatible with your system.

Remove all traces of the old graphic card. This includes all drivers, software or anything else that is connected to it. Right Click on “My Computer,” choose “Properties,” then the “Hardware” tab and “Device Manager.” Your graphics card's name will be displayed under “Display Adapter” (click on the “+” to the left, to open it). Double click on your graphics card's name, then select the “Driver” tab and click on the “Uninstall” button. Now click on “Start,” “Control Panel,” “Add and Remove Programs” and remove any application listed which is associated with your old card. Restart your computer.

Replace old card. Shut down your system. Ground yourself; remove the cover of your computer. Unscrew the card, and gently remove it. Line up the connectors and lightly apply enough pressure to insert the new graphics card in the slot. Replace the screw(s) to secure the graphics card and, if necessary, hook up power to it.

Restart your computer. Run any installation CDs that came with your new graphics card. Download the latest drivers from the graphics card manufacturer's website for your new card. It is very common for even the newest cards to have updated drivers available.

Upgrade Your Computer's Memory

Every wants more speed out of their computer. The easiest way to do this is to upgrade your memory.

First thing you should when preforming any work on the inside of your computer is to shut down your computer down the start menu and unplug ALL the cords that are in the back of your computer.

Unscrew the screws that are on the back of your computer's case and set them to the side. Now you have to ground yourself, You can do this by an anti static cord or by touch the metal case.

Now that you have the case open and you have grounded yourself, locate the memory slots on your computer's motherboard. You should see white buttons on either side of the DIMM or RIMM slots. Carefully push these backwards, away from the memory sticks.

Grab the memory sticks on either side and gently rock it forward and backwards until the stick comes out smoothly. Once the sticks are out places them in or on an anti static bag.

Now that your old memory is out, take your new memory sticks and repeat Step 4 only instead of pulling the sticks, you will be pushing them in. Once in, the white tabs at the end of DIMM or RIMM slots will snap closed.

Note: Makes sure that your slots on the sticks match up with the slots on your motherboard, and DO NOT force the memory sticks in they will go in smoothly if they are lined up right.

Now that your new memory is in, put your case cover back on, screw the screws back in and are relatively tight and plug all you cords back into the back of your tower and your computer back on.

Note: Do not worry if your get a different screen upon start up, this is normal. Your BIOS needs to pick the upgraded memory and the BIOS will let you know if there is a problem.

How To Upgrade the Memory in your Computer

Upgrade Windows

Microsoft Windows is a very popular operating system. It is installed and used continuously by millions of people all over the world. Microsoft is constantly designing new Windows operating systems. In order for you to have all of the latest possible features and options Microsoft Windows provides; you have to have the latest edition. It is possible to upgrade your Windows operating system if you know how. The information provided in the steps here will explain how you can upgrade your Microsoft Windows. Please note, that since Microsoft no longer provides any support for Windows 98, Windows ME or other previous Windows operating system; this information pertains to Microsoft Windows XP, Windows 2000 or above.

Determine which Microsoft Windows Vista Edition you would like. Windows Vista is available in five editions: Basic, Home Premium, Business, Ultimate and Enterprise. Each version has its own unique features. You should compare them to find the Windows edition that will best suit your needs. There is a link in Resources below to assist you.

Verify your hardware compatibility. In order to upgrade to Windows Vista, you will have to make certain your hardware is compatible. See Resources below for a link to Microsoft's Windows Vista Upgrade Advisor. Follow the directions provided to determine if your systems hardware is compatible.

Determine your type of Microsoft Windows upgrade available. It depends on the version of Windows that you have on your system as to what type of upgrade is possible. You can use an upgrade copy of Windows Vista to either perform an “Upgrade” only or a “Clean Installation.” The first one retains all of your settings, applications and files; the second one does not. You can learn more about this on the link under Resources titled: Windows Vista: Upgrade Paths from Previous Versions

Purchase and Install your Microsoft Windows Upgrade. The Windows Marketplace listed under Resources has all of the Vista editions. Simply select the edition you need and then click on the “Buy and Download” button. Follow the directions given to purchase, download and install your Windows upgrade.