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How to add RAM

First Check how much RAM you have:
Windows Vista: Go to the Start Menu, right click on 'Computer', click on 'Properties', the amount of RAM is displayed in the 'System' panel.
Windows XP: Right-click 'My Computer' -> click on 'Properties'. The amount of memory is listed under the General Tab.

Check the type of Memory you have :
Consult your computer owner's manual or other information provided by the manufacturer such as a label affixed to your computer tower. You can also contact your computer or motherboard manufacturer by phone or access their support website. Independent sites also exist to help you identify the type of RAM appropriate to your system. Check out Crucial or PNY

Check memory configurations supported by your computer: this information is typically available from your computer manufacturer or the motherboard manufacturer.

For example, a Sony computer came from the factory with four available memory slots, two of them were occupied with 256MB memory modules for a total of 512MB. Maximum supported memory on the system is 4 x 512MB for a total of 2048MB. If I want to add 1024MB of RAM, I need to know where exactly to place the new modules: The Sony Knowledge Base allows me to enter the model number and I query the Knowledge Base with "Upgrade RAM". I'm then told the type of RAM needed (screenshot) and provided a small chart (screenshot) showing how to place the memory: 512MB in slot1, 256MB in slot2, 512MB in slot3, and 256MB in slot4