One of the most common reasons a PC is running slow is lack of processing memory (RAM).

If you take the analogy of an office the hard disk on your PC is the storage e.g. the filing cabinets where everything is stored away.

RAM can therefore by alikened to the size of your desk.  i.e. the amount you can get out of the filing cabinets and process at once.  If you have a small amount of RAM (a small desk) it just takes longer to do things.

How much RAM do I need?

This depends on what you are using your PC for and what operating system you are using.  As a guide we would currently recommend the following:

Windows XP - an absolute minimum of 512MB (1GB would be better)

Windows Vista - an absolute minimum of 2GB

How do I check how much RAM I have?

Left Click on your START button (bottom left of your screen) and then RIGHT click on My computer selecting Properties

You should see a properties window something like this...

How do I get more RAM?

There are lots of different kinds of RAM and compatibilities with different computers.  We would recommend you take your RAM to a local PC specialist that has a good reputation and a counter.  Or of course you could ask us to sort it for you.