Computer help needed!

[leelapops]

I was bought some dictation software for my birthday, which is really useful, as my body is knackered from computer overuse. However, apparently I don't have sufficient RAM (it needs 512 mb minimum).

I have a 3 year old laptop, pretty beset by problems, but I am in the final year of my degree and can't afford to send it back on the insurance as I can't do without it for the next 5 months.

Is there any way you can free RAM up or not? Speak slowly and simply to me, I am very much a beginner!

TIA x

[weeal]

you should be able to buy additional RAM

what RAM does the laptop have just now (seeing as you know its insufficient)

[leelapops]

weeal that's good to know! Thank you. I have no idea on its current specification. Told you I was no expert! ;) Where can I find out?

I only know that the RAM is insufficient because the software told me so!

I have performed a cleanup, and discarded any unwanted files etc. But all to no avail.

x

[weeal]

Hi leelapops, just home

If youre using windows go to START, then My Computer, then System Information (or system properties), at the bottom of the box there it should tell you how much RAM the PC has installed on it. I just bought some a few months back to bring mine up to 760MB and even thats low.

Being a laptop, you can simply take it into a shop which sells such things and they will have a look for you and tell you the price to upgrade it. I bought 256 MB and it cost me �17 so its very cheap now.

[leelapops]

224mb RAM! Thanks weeal, that's useful to know. I appreciate you returning to my thread.

I am assuming that if I buy memory, it is non-transferable, and I am looking at getting a new computer (probably a PC) very soon, so I am loathe to spend on it. It's just a shame, as the software would be so useful for me.
It would certainly be worth me at leasting finding out though, you are right.

I will pop into a local shop and ask.

Thanks again for your help! x

[weeal]

leelapops, the memory would be transferrable if you bought a new PC which used the same 'type' of RAM but I wouldnt base a new purchase on that, but if its under �20 to upgrade the laptop it might still be worth it?? go to a small PC trader rather than PC World and it will be quite cheap, look up the phone book for one in your area, maybe a PC repair shop would have RAM

if youre sellin on the old laptop after youre new purchase it might sell better with the upgraded RAM also !