Finding the right memory for your desktop, notebook, camera, PDA or printer sometimes proves to be a difficult task. There are systems, like servers, that do not take generic memory upgrades. The memory configuration tools provided on this page are designed to help take the guess work out of finding the correct memory upgrade for your system.
Memory used to be a simple matter. A computer came with a set amount of memory, and software designers stayed within those limits. But today, new applications are pushing the limits on memory requirements. Even so, software companies often keep their memory recommendations low in order to make their software applications look lean, which doesn't really help the people who use those programs. The fact is, every user's needs are different. People use their computers in different ways to accomplish different tasks. Some people demand the maximum their system can deliver. Other people need less.
Ultimately, you can figure out how much memory you really need. Independent laboratory tests have proven that most operating systems and applications are tuned to specific memory requirements. That means there's an optimum amount of memory for the way you use your computer. By factoring in a few key items, you can easily and accurately determine your specific memory requirements.
When figuring your memory requirements, consider three things - the optimum memory configuration of your operating system, your usage patterns and your hardware.
For light home use, like light internet usage, writing the occasional letter, and keeping financial records 32MB - 64MB are needed for Windows® 98 users. those that are interested in high intensity multimedia uses such as 3D graphics, playing MP3 files, and voice recognition software, should plan on having 128MB - 384MB of memory in their system.
