Hi,sorry for this "embarassing" question, but I was wondering how to upgrade your computer. Do you just go to your local store and ask:"Give me 256MB RAM"? How do I install it? Can I do it myself or do I need some kind of computer expert to do it? Thanks for your help

Hi,Although installing RAM is a reasonably easy task nowadays, considering your lack of knowledege I probably would not recommend delveing into the inards of your system.BUT if you really do want to first I would collect some information about your system.1) Do you actually have any free RAM slots available2) What type of RAM do you already have3) what OS are you running (98 and ME dont like having more than 512mb)From there you can decide how much and what type of ram to buyDan.

I've had my last 4 PCs custom built at local computer stores. Not like Best Buy, but custom PC builders you find in your Yellow Pages. That way, if you have any issues after upgrading they will usually do the fix for free (or next to nothing). They can install extra RAM, sound and video cards, etc. They can upgrade any PC no matter wher you bought it. It's the best way to go IMHO.....:-wave Steve

This really is the best way to go if you don't build it yourself. One of the issues many people trying to upgrade run in to is the proprietary nature of many commercial computer systems. Some Compaq and Gateway models are impossible to upgrade without Compaq and Gateway specific devices.If you bought it from a clone maker, go back to the clone maker for service. If you bought it from a custom builder, go back to the custom builder. If you built it yourself, get on line and buy the upgrades and get it done.

there's a great article inthis months Maximum PC on how to upgrade system parts like memory, video cards, CD drives etc