Computer experts agree that in the absence of well-oiled memory, computers cannot operate efficiently. Thats why when computers begin to slow, all users must ask themselves the dreaded question: Do I need more memory? At times, computers may slow as a result of various factors: overload, bad maintenance, and corrupted files, among many others. It can be exceedingly difficult to decide when RAM needs to be installed, as other things can cause a slowing computer. As a computer user, its important that you can identify the common indications that your computer's memory is failing. In understanding this, you'll know to add or replace memory if and when your computer memory does indeed fail.

5 Signs That You Do Need New Memory

Computer Boot Problems. When memory is inadequate or becomes corrupted, computer boot problems will often arise. Upon powering the computer, the BIOS may beep without reason, which is an indication of RAM failure. At the problem's worst state, your computer may fail to boot at all. Instead, your system will lag at the blank screen.

General Speed Deficiency. This is normally the first, and most common symptom of memory failure. A system with bad RAM may display this deficiency in the form of slow loading, freezes, and lags.

Crashes. Crashes may occur during processes that normally can occur with ease. Often times, the crashes will happen unexpectedly and will go unexplained. As this occurs, your computer may freeze or simply shut down altogether.

Inability to Use Memory Intensive Applications. When using memory-intensive programs such as Microsoft Office, Adobe, or Entertainment applications, the system may not allow programs to run properly. Since memory is not readily available, it becomes impossible for these programs to run smoothly or at times, to even open.

Blue Screen of Death. In Microsoft's Windows, the Blue Screen of Death indicates a problem rooted in the system's hardware. Errors such as IRQL_Less_or_Not_Equal indicate a memory-caused hardware problem.

Once you've determined that your memory may need replacing, you can confirm your findings by running a memory test. These tests can be downloaded as freeware from various online websites. If you find that your memory is corrupt, it is advised that you replace your computer's memory, or at the least, add more RAM to your system.

Whether or not your memory is corrupt, a slow computer will definitely be made faster with additional memory. So if you're still asking yourself the question: Do I need new memory? You'll probably want to consider adding more memory to your computer. Regardless of where the problem lies, additional memory will always present advantages in overall system operation.

The hard drive is an extremely important component of your computer.On the hard drive all of your programs,data and the operating system are stored. If your hard drive should have any serious problems the computer will not run very well if at all.

There are various different utilities which can scan your hard drive for problems and then attempt to correct those problems. Some of the most used applications with windows XP include1. Disk defragmenter 2.Disc cleanup. 3.Error checker Tool.

1. As you use the computer over a period of time the files stored on the hard drive tend to become fragmented with parts of a file written to different areas of the drive.

The disk defragmenter will take all these file fragments and bring them together so that a complete file is all located at one point. This greatly speeds up access to the file.

The fragmented data increases the work the drive must do thus increasing the load on the drive and can in fact sometimes cause serious and permanent damage.

To correct file fragmentation and to keep it at a minimum DISC DEFRAGMENTER should be run regularly so that the hard drive will remain in good operating order. The disk Defragmenter is found by clicking on START->ALL PROGRAMS->ACESSORIES->SYSTEM TOOLS->DISK DEFRAGMENT.

2.The Disc Cleanup application allows you to erase unwanted temporary internet files and program setup files from your hard drive. This frees up hard drive space and helps the computer to run more efficiently.

You can find DISC CLEANUP by clicking on START->ALL PROGRAMS->ACCESSORIES->SYSTEM TOOLS->DISC CLEANUP. This tool if run at regular intervals will also help to keep your computer running smoothly and efficiently.

3.Error Checker will scan your hard drive for errors in the file system and bad sectors on the hard drive. To locate ERROR CHECKER bring up your Start Menu by clicking on START then click on MY COMPUTER, next RIGHT click on the hard disc volume you want to run error checker on and then click on PROPERTIES.

Go to the TOOLS tab and click on CHECK NOW in the ERROR CHECKING section. Next in the CHECK DISC dialog box click on SCAN FOR AND ATTEMPT RECOVERY OF BAD SECTORS and click START. This may take some time as it checks a large hard drive for bad sectors.

Finally find the maker of your hard drive from the user manual or by looking inside the computer. Most hard disc manufacturers offer downloads of tools to test the hard drive for problems.

If your computer runs slow after you have done all of these things you should look for problems elsewhere. One of the most common reasons for a slow running computer is a bloated corrupt registry.

The registry is a very large data bank which holds all the files used by the operating system to run the computer as well as much other information.

A large number of data fragments will build up in the registry over a period of time as the computer is used. All windows operated computers are susceptible to this problem uunfortunately and it cannot be avoided.

The operating system encounters difficulty in locating the data it requires to run the machine when the registry is bloated. This greatly slows down operation of the machine and can also cause freezing and crashing.

The best solution to this problem is to use Windows XP registry repair software which can be downloaded from the internet. The top registry cleaners will first offer to give you a free scan to determine if you have registry problems. You can check the results of this scan before deciding to repair your registry.

We ran tests on a number of Windows XP registry repair tools and found that some were clearly better than others. One in particluar found up to 50% more errors than some other registry repair tools and was clearly superior.

We recommend that you use a windows reg cleaner and do not try to personally edit your registry. There are many essential entries in the registry and if you mistakenly remove even one of them you can completely disable your computer. Do your registry repair the safe way and use a top registry cleaner to do the work quickly and safely.

The Frightening Truth:

Laptops have become one of those devices that is quickly going, and in some cases, already quickly gone from something that only techies or high level business people owned to something that even a poor college student finds a way to afford. This is simply that our lives become wrapped around these objects. Think of the cell phone. Ten to 15 years ago it was again only the techies or important business people that owned a cell phone. Now even elementary school kids have them so parents can be in constant contact when necessary.

We all have had the moment when we though we had misplaced our cell phone. Imagine losing your laptop. Not only is it a fairly significant expense, but think of the data you have on there. You probably keep a file with account numbers, you have your family pictures stored there, maybe music, movies. The list is a long one and an important one.

Therefore, make sure you follow the recommendations in this article on how to protect your laptop.

The convenience of the laptop is obvious. The computing power and versatility are equivalent to most desktop computers. With the advent of wi-fi we can be on the internet almost anywhere and be emailing, chatting, writing, surfing the net or shopping, all anywhere in the world.

Here are some daunting statistics for laptop loss from 2008:

Relevant Data Loss and Data Breach Statistics

- 1 in 10 ...laptop computers will be stolen within the first 12 months of purchase.
- 97% ...of lost and stolen notebooks are never recovered.
- 50% ...of organizations reported laptop theft.
- every 43 seconds ...a computer is reported stolen.
- every 3 days ... an information security breach is reported in the U.S.
- 82% ...of all PC's will be mobile devices by 2008, increasing 4 times as fast as PCs.
- 4,425 ...laptops reported left behind in Chicago taxis during a six month period.
- 56 million ...individuals affected by significant U.S. data security breaches, 2005.
- 1 billion ...PC users expected by 2010, up from 660-670 million today.
- 57% ...of corporate crimes are linked to stolen laptops. The latest crimes of espionage and sabotage are theft of executive personnel devices to access vital financial or personnel data.

( data source: http://datarevoke.com)

How Much Does Laptop Loss Cost?:

That completely depends on how you look at it and who is doing the looking....

Personal Laptop:

The actual cost here is the cost of the laptop and if stolen while in the laptop bag (most often this is the case) then you've lost all your accessories as well. Not to mention possibly your wallet, MP3 player, passport (eek!). Obviously the actual cost of items and the intangible loss of items such as wallets, all your stored music, your passport, etc. are vastly different.

Business or Corporate Laptop:

Here the intangible costs can be astronomical. We have heard it on the news more than once and most of us have had it hit us directly with someone in the corporate world losing one or more laptops with critical customer data on it. The cost the hardware is only about $4000, the information carried upon it was could be worth millions..

Of course, to get to valuable proprietary information is not the reason for all laptop thefts some laptop thieves head try to quickly sell the laptop as-is. However, some data indicate that about 10 percent to 15 percent of those laptops are stolen by criminals intent on selling the data.

How to Protect Your Laptop:

With this in mind, what can we do as individuals to prevent our own personal loss?

Laptop Security Cables:

This is one of the lowest cost and one of the most effective deterrents to theft. As with most theft attempts, even a small amount of effort can make a huge difference. For this to work you need to make sure that your laptop is equipped with the appropriate feature to attach a cable. This is called a Universal Security Slot.

It is important to pay attention to what you are attaching the laptop and cable to. You sometimes have to think like a thief. If you really wanted to get that laptop could you? If you answer is yes, then you need to add more security. Consider looping the cable through a hole drilled in the lag of the desk. If you just loop it around the leg than all it takes is some one strong enough to lift the desk enough to slip the cable under the leg and whoosh! your laptop is gone...

Keep Your Laptop Out of Sight:

If you are not with your laptop then it should be secured in a locked drawer or in the possession of someone you trust (for the short trip to the restroom for example). Especially if you are in a public place like an airport, bookstore, or your favorite coffee shop. Never leave your bag alone.

Some laptop cases scream "I have a laptop in here!"

Try to use a carrying case for your laptop that may be a bit beat up or at least not look like it obviously contains a laptop. This may be difficult to do but can be a real effective way to have a thief move on to the next victim without bothering your precious laptop inside your ugly bag.

How to Protect Your Data:

I'm sure you've had moments when you couldn't locate a file that you knew you had stored on your laptop. The feeling of panic can be terrible until you find it. Imagine your hard drive failing (it happens!). You would lose all your important files - pictures, videos, everything.

Therefore, first and most important is external storage. External storage can be something as simple as a USB Flash Drive also known as a thumb drive (about the size of your thumb....) or a large external drive (about the size of an average hardcover book)

The type of external storage you select will depend on your needs. If you just keep basic files (i.e. "Word" documents or spreadsheets, etc) then a thumb drive could be enough (and they are very inexpensive) and can store up to 32 Gigabytes of data or if you are willing to pay a bit more they are larger storage capabilities available. If you plan on storing large files such as lots of photos and videos then you may need to step up in capacity with an external hard drive. They store up to 2 "Terabytes" (2000 Megabytes) of data.