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I have a computer with only 254 ram. One of my friends says I can use space on my hard drive to increase my ram. Does anyone know how I can do this?

IIRC you can set the virtual RAM somewhere. Virtual RAM is space Windows uses to store data that doesn't fit in the real RAM. This is slowing down your computer, because your processor has to swap data around between the virtual and real RAM. You'd better buy some extra RAM.

You can do that, it's called Virtual Memory and Windows should already have some set aside by default, it can be accessed through System in the Control Panel.
However, it does slow the computer down a lot using this, if you get messages saying that Windows will increase your Virtual Memory (or something like that) a lot, then it would just be better to get some more RAM.

With anything less than 1GB of "real" RAM, you are always using the virtual memory anyway, that is, space on your hard disk.

The general theory with virtual ram, or the 'Swap file' as properly known is that it should be 1.5 times the current ram. Any less, and you are losing potential performance, anymore, and you are simply wasting your harddrive space for very, very minute changes.

So, to change your swap file:

1)Right Click 'My computer' and choose Properties
2)Click the Advanced tab
3)Click the first setttings button
4)Click the Advanced tab
5)Down the bottom of the window should be a thing displaying how much is set.
- If it is 381 or more, leave it, any less, I suggest putting it up to 381.

As already said, there is no substitute for real ram, so by all means, you should get that (especially if you are running Windows XP).

Hope this helps.

[QUOTE=Rookierookie]With anything less than 1GB of "real" RAM, you are always using the virtual memory anyway, that is, space on your hard disk.[/QUOTE]

Both of the computers I have access to run fine on 512MB, both the gaming one and this one, which I mainly use working purposes (Windows 2000 and Windows XP).
It depends on the kind of software you want to run and how much at the same time, really. Some games are more intensive and RAM- requiring like the upcoming Oblivion.

[QUOTE=Ravager]Both of the computers I have access to run fine on 512MB, both the gaming one and this one, which I mainly use working purposes (Windows 2000 and Windows XP).
It depends on the kind of software you want to run and how much at the same time, really. Some games are more intensive and RAM- requiring like the upcoming Oblivion.[/QUOTE]
But they do, in fact, use virtual memory; it's just that you don't notice it. You can try it yourself: set your virtual memory to zero, then reboot. That's how your computer runs without any virtual memory.

Well, I did used to get lots of Windows Error Messages, that Windows needed to increase the swapfile, now I don't get those so the combination of RAM and Virtual Memory are working fine. It is relying more on the actual RAM than the Virtual Memory now though, so it's going a lot faster than it was even though the RAM I installed actually has a lower speed than the previous RAM.

I've ordered 256 ram and I'm currently waiting for it. If you have two 256 ram hubs (I think thats what there called) in your computer does it mess anything up or is it like having one 512 ram hub.

Yeah, it should be the same as having 512 installed when you have both 256 installed.
Just make sure it's the right type of RAM, as there are quite a few types for different computers.

It is a "ByteStor 256MB PC2100 DDR 266MHz Memory DIMM for Desktops".


I have a Dell dimension 2400. Will it go in?

[QUOTE=Magelord648]It is a "ByteStor 256MB PC2100 DDR 266MHz Memory DIMM for Desktops".


I have a Dell dimension 2400. Will it go in?[/QUOTE]

Check the manual your computer came with right away and pray it's not too late to cancel your order.

According to this article I found after two seconds of googling, Dell Dimension 2400 takes PC-2700 memory. I don't know if it's backward compatible with PC-2100 or not, but if it's not you might have just wasted a bunch of money because you didn't do any research.


edit: you might still be alright. If I'm linking to the right page, your computer should also be compatible with PC2100. You accidentally ordered the right type of memory

You should probably read up on what you're buying in the future, just in case.

Thanks Vicsun.