Virtual Memory running low?

Mon, 8 Jan 2007 09:23:11 GMT

Feb 13 2006

Q: This last week I had two of my customers ask me about the same problem. Periodically, they get a message ‘Virtual memory running low’ usually when they are running several programs.

First, let me give a brief explanation; Virtual Memory is a mechanism that Windows used to compensate for when RAM memory (the real physical memory that comes on a chip) was more expensive.

When your computer is working, it stores critical information in the RAM memory – this is the real, physical memory (like what you can purchase at an electronics store). Back in the old days, RAM memory was very expensive hence; it was available only in limited quantities. To compensate for the limited RAM memory, Windows cleverly created a mechanism that saves any ‘overflow’ on to the Hard Drive that pretends to be this RAM memory. This is the Virtual Memory and the amount of space dedicated on your Hard Drive to it can be adjusted.

A: There is a way to adjust the Virtual Memory on your computer so you won’t get this message. Here’s how:

In Windows XP:

1. Right click on your My Computer icon (either in your Start menu or Desktop)

2. Select ‘Properties’

3. Click the ‘Advanced’ tab

Under the Performance section

4. Click the ‘Settings’ button

In the Performance Options window:

5. Click the Advanced tab

Under the Virtual Memory section:

6. Click the ‘Change’ button

7. Select ‘System managed size’

8. Click the ‘Set’ button

9. Click OK at the message saying you have to restart your computer

10. Click OK

11. Click Apply

12. Click OK

13. Click OK to restart your computer

That’s it!

Will that software fit on your PC?

Thu, 15 Jun 2006 20:40:27 GMT

April 18 2005

Q: I want to install a new software program, but I am not sure if my computer has the minimum requirements. How can I check?

A: You can learn your computer's specificaitons in a few places. Here's how:

Well, you can learn most of your computer's specs quickly by:

1. Find your 'My Computer' Icon-usually on your Desktop or in the Start menu

2. Right Click on your 'My Computer' Icon

3. Select 'Properties' from the Pointer Menu

Your:

-Windows Version

-Processor (Usually an Intel Pentium or AMD Athlon, along with Processor speed in MHz or GHz), and

-RAM depicted in KB (Kilobytes) MB (Megabytes) or GB (Gigabytes)

are listed in this screen (the General-tab).

- For the remaining specification of how much space is available on your Hard Disk Drive:

1. Find your 'My Computer' Icon-usually on your desktop or in the Start menu

2. Double click on your 'My Computer' Icon

3. Right Click on the 'Local Disk (C:)'

-Your hard disk capacity and well as the Used and Free space are displayed

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Virtual Memory running low?

Will that software fit on your PC?