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RAM, also known as computer memory, is one of the most vital components in your desktop, laptop and MAC.

For anyone wondering what RAM does, how it works in your computer and why you might need to upgrade it for better performance, read on!

RAM (which stands for Random Access Memory) is the familiar acronym for random access memory, which is the temporary storage in your computer that gives applications a place to store and access data on a short-term basis. Having more RAM means that more data can be accessed and read almost instantly, as opposed to being written on your hard drive

RAM allows your computer to perform most of its everyday tasks, such as loading applications, browsing the internet, editing a spreadsheet, or experiencing the latest game. Memory also allows you to switch quickly among these tasks while also remembering where you are in each task. Generally speaking, the more memory you have, the better for multitasking.

As an example of how this works, when you turn on your computer, check your email, and then edit a spreadsheet, you'll have used memory in several different ways:

• to load and run apps like your spreadsheet program and email
• to respond to commands, like deleting an email and editing the spreadsheet
• to toggle between your open programs, like going back and forth from the spreadsheet to check your email

In a way, memory is like the top of your desk. It allows you to work on various projects at once. The larger your desk, the more papers, folders, and tasks you can have out at one time. You can quickly and easily access the information without having to thumb through a filing cabinet (your storage drive).

The speed and performance of your system directly correlates to the amount of RAM you have installed. If your system doesn’t have enough RAM, it can be slow and sluggish, especially when you’re trying to multitask or having several programs or apps open at the same time.

If you regularly get frustrated by unresponsive programs, lagging load times, and a generally slow computer, lack of RAM is probably to blame. There are ways to see if your computer needs more memory, and it's easy to upgrade your desktop or laptop RAM yourself.

To prevent users from installing incompatible memory, modules are physically different for each memory technology generation. These physical differences are standard across the industry, so make sure you buy memory compatible with your motherboard or other components.

RAM performance is all about the relationship between speed and latency. At a basic level, latency is the time delay between when a command is entered and when the data is available. Understanding the speed and latency of RAM will help you better choose the correct RAM to install in your system based on your needs.

Whether you are a gamer, designer, or just looking to speed up your personal computer, upgrading RAM is a simple and easy way to boost your system performance. To determine the right kind of memory for your computer, use the Crucial® System Selector or the System Scanner. These tools will help you determine which memory modules are compatible with your computer and provide options for your speed requirements and budget.

RAM stands for random access memory. It is called “random access” because the technology allows the computer to temporarily store and access data immediately. Outdated methods of storing data required sequential access, which was much slower.

Determining how much RAM you need depends on what you use your computer for. It can range from 8GB of RAM for casual computer usage and internet browsing to 64GB for gamers and multimedia creators.

Checking how much RAM you have on a PC or laptop running Microsoft Windows can be done within seconds.

1. Open the System Information by typing it into the Start Menu
2. From the list, scroll down to Installed Physical Memory (RAM) to see how much memory is installed.

You can check how much RAM you have on your Mac in a few clicks.

1. Click on the Apple icon in the top-left corner
2. Select “About this Mac”
3. Next to “Memory” you’ll see how much RAM your Mac has

RAM is used to store information that needs to be used quickly. This means that opening many programs, running various processes or accessing multiple files simultaneously is likely to use a lot of RAM. Particularly complex programs like games or design software will require the most RAM.