Memory and RAM
Memory, such as random access memory (RAM), is temporary storage space that your computer uses to run Windows and other programs. Memory is different from disk space, which is the amount of storage space available on your computer's hard disk.
Random access memory (RAM) is a general indication of performance that is measured either in megabytes (MB) or gigabytes (GB): the larger the number, the faster some programs will run.
Different computers and programs have different RAM requirements. To learn how to install more RAM, check the information that came with your computer or go to the manufacturer's website.
To find out how much RAM your computer has, open System in the Control Panel. In the System section, next to Installed memory (RAM), you can see the amount of RAM your computer has.
Note:
In some cases, Windows Seven reports both the amount of memory that's installed on your computer and the amount of memory that's usable. If you're using a 32-bit version of Windows, the amount of usable memory might be less than the total amount of memory installed.
Virtual Memory
If your computer lacks the random access memory (RAM) needed to run a program or operation, Windows uses virtual memory to compensate.
Virtual memory combines your computer’s RAM with temporary space on your hard disk. When RAM runs low, virtual memory moves data from RAM to a space called a paging file. Moving data to and from the paging file frees up RAM so your computer can complete its work.
The more RAM your computer has, the faster your programs will generally run. If a lack of RAM is slowing your computer, you might be tempted to increase virtual memory to compensate. However, your computer can read data from RAM much more quickly than from a hard disk, so adding RAM is a better solution.
Virtual memory and error messages
If you receive error messages that warn of low virtual memory, you need to either add more RAM or increase the size of your paging file so that you can run the programs on your computer. Windows usually manages this automatically, but you can manually change the size of virtual memory if the default size isn't large enough for your needs.
