The RAM modules (Random Access Memory) are the storage modules of the computer which form the main storage together. Every program being active under Windows uses a part of the memory. If all programs (including Windows!) occupy more memory than the computer provides, Windows swaps the remaining memory out into the so-called swapfile on the hard disk which slows down work enormously though.
In general, the more RAM the faster the computer.

When buying RAM modules it has to be taken into consideration which types and speeds are supported by the mainboard where the memory will be installed.

There are SD-RAM Dimm modules with 100 Mhz and 133 Mhz speed, DDR-Ram chips with 266 Mhz and Rambus RIMM memory with 400 Mhz.

For simple office applications 64-128 MB are sufficient, for graphic or video editing applications it should be considerably more (starting from 512 MB).

Please read in the hardware area: installign memory.






RAM im deutschen Lexikon
RAM in het nederlandse encyclopedie