What is RAM and how much do I really need?

RAM Stands for Random Access Memory and is it a type of computer memory that is even found in printers. RAM requires power to keep its data accessible. Once your computer is turned off any short term memory is lost on the RAM modules. For example if you open an internet browser. The RAM remembers the processes it took to open the browser and store it so the next time you open the browser it will start up faster. 

With the low end spectrum laptops mostly having 4 GB of ram as a standard, how do you know when you need more, or if you even need that much? 

More does not necessarily mean faster. Adding more ram to your device won’t increase the speed that your processor runs at. It will only increase your short term memory. Meaning if you do not regularly power down your computer or if you access many different programs and platforms you will benefit from having more RAM. 

A gamer for instance has usually got a device that can manage up to 16GB of RAM this is because a gamer has allot of smaller processes that the PC will benefit from having a larger amount of RAM. So that the computer does not access the internal HDD as often. 

So what does this mean for you, well for a general home user 4 GB of RAM is more than enough. For a business accessing a server or multiple programs in a day 8 GB would be more appropriate. 

If you are wanting to speed your computer up you should really look at the combination of upgrading your RAM and hard drive. Converting to a newer solid state hard drive will boost your computers speed. It is newer technology, however storage space is limited. There is always a compromise.