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ResNet RAM Requirements
Shippensburg University > ResNet > Get Connected > Requirements > Hardware Requirements > RAM

How much RAM do you need?  The short answer is 'as much as possible!'

If using Windows XP, our minimum RAM requirement is 512 MB, but we strongly recommend 1 GB.
If using Windows Vista, our minimum RAM recommendation is 1 GB, but we strongly recommend having 2 GB.
 

What is RAM?

Your computer's memory (called Random Access Memory or "RAM") is used for temporary storage.
This memory is different from the "storage" memory of your hard drive.

Programs and files (things such as pictures, documents, etc) are saved on your computer's hard drive.
Each time you start a program or open a file, it is copied from the hard drive to the RAM.  As you use the program, or make changes to files, you're doing this by using the RAM.  If you click "Save" in a document or file, the computer writes the changes you've made back to the hard drive for safe keeping.  This is why if you do not save your work (or if you forget to save and the power goes out) you lose all of your changes.

Why is more better?

The more RAM you have, the more programs and files you can have open and work with at the same time.  It also makes the operating system and the programs you use run faster since there's more room to work.

A Quick Techie Note

Here's a quick demonstration of how RAM works...

1. Imagine that you're sitting at a desk.
2. The top of the desk represents RAM.
3. The desk has drawers- these drawers represent your computer's hard drive.
4. The drawers have documents, pictures, and programs in them.
5. Pretend that YOU are the computer's processor.

The more RAM you have, the bigger the top of your desk is.  You, as the processor, are in charge of moving things from the desk drawers to the top of the desk.  When items are on top of the desk, you can move them around (copy/move), make changes to them (edit), throw them away (delete), etc.  When you're done with an item on the top of the desk, you put it back in a drawer (save the changes).

If you only have a little RAM (a small desk top), you can only work with a few items from the drawers.  If your desk is covered with items and you need to work on something new, you need to file away some stuff (save and close) and then use that freed up space to do the new tasks.

By having a lot of RAM (a large desk top), you can work with many more items at one time.  This also lets you work faster since you're not constantly moving things back and forth from the desk top to the drawers!