Perk it up with a RAM

Dear TPH,
This is the first time that I am writing to you. I use an IBM computer with 128MB of RAM. I recently bought a 512MB RAM for my pc. Unfortunately the computer is not detecting it. I spent quite a lot of money on this and now I am in deep trouble. Please tell me what I should do?
– S.S

Dear S.S.,
If your main objective was to upgrade your computer and make it perform better, you have chosen wisely, because a RAM upgrade is the best value option for increasing overall computer performance. And trust me, you are leagues ahead of my friend who wanted to upgrade the memory of his computer. He went to a computer shop and asked for a kilogram of RAM!

However, I admit that RAM can be a very confusing topic because it is too simple a word for such a complex piece of hardware. Buying a RAM upgrade for your machine without some knowledge about the system you are using, is like looking for a dress (that is a certain hue of "Sky Blue") at Majestic City – with your eyes blindfolded. Luck can take you only so far!

The type of RAM you can use is mostly determined by the type and model of the computer's motherboard. I will try not to confuse you too much with the history of SIMMs and DIMMs, and the differences between SD, DDR and DDR2 RAM. If you are interested, you can read up all about it at http://computer.howstuffworks.com/ram.htm

As for your problem, try the simple solutions first – pull off the power plug of the computer and check whether the RAM is plugged into your motherboard properly and that the clips are in place. You may also try plugging the memory to a different slot. Always make sure that you don't remove the computer casing while the power is plugged in, and always replace the casing before you turn the machine on. Memory upgrade or not, your safety should come first at all times. If these do not solve the problem, http://www.crucial.com/uk/store/listmfgr.asp? cat=RAM has a comprehensive list of computer models and advice on how to upgrade their memory. Since your computer is an IBM, you should easily be able to find it listed there with specific instructions on which type and model of memory you should buy. If you cannot find the specific model of your computer listed there, you may alternatively go to http://www.crucial.com/systemscanner/ where the website may scan your system and recommend the type of memory you should use for the upgrade (this requires that you enable ActiveX on your browser). Once you know what type and model of memory works on your computer, double check whether the new memory module you bought is of the same type. If the memory chips you bought are not of the recommended type, you should return it and exchange it for the type you need.Otherwise, I hope you've been good this year so that Santa would be so kind as to drop all your hearts wishes down the chimney – literally!