| Do you have programs that crash no matter how | | | | Gigabyte of available free space. |
| many times you reinstall them? The problem could | | | | Also, a big factor on how much memory you can add |
| likely be insufficient memory. Luckily, there's an | | | | comes from whether you're running 32-bit or 64-bit |
| affordable way to fix that. | | | | Windows, which have limitations on how much |
| If you shop for the best bargain, new memory for your | | | | memory you can actually use. With 32-bit Vista or |
| home computer (RAM) can be affordable. Of course, | | | | Windows 7, the typical max is 4 Gig. For 64-bit |
| many get either a 512 MB or 1 GB stick, assuming their | | | | versions, those limits typically range from 8 GB all the |
| PC has enough slots available and can support them. | | | | way up to 192, which is actually the limit for Windows |
| Why not get bigger bang for the buck, though? With | | | | 7 Ultimate 64-bit edition. I've personally seen |
| Windows Vista or Windows 7, you can do just that. | | | | performance gains by just adding a 4 GB USB drive |
| Introducing Readyboost | | | | to 2 of my machines, which run Vista and Windows 7, |
| Beginning with Windows Vista, Microsoft introduced | | | | both with 64-bit processors. I've also seen good |
| the Readyboost technology, which basically allows you | | | | reviews of people adding 8 Gigabytes of flash, so |
| to use non-volatile flash memory, such as a USB 2.0 | | | | there is a lot of potential in this area if you're willing to |
| flash drive or SD (Secure Digital) card, as additional | | | | try it. |
| system memory. In other words, the additional space | | | | How to Use |
| on those devices is used to boost your current | | | | If you don't already have a USB drive or other flash |
| system memory (RAM). | | | | card, you can buy these online for prices that are a lot |
| As an example, let's assume we have a Vista PC | | | | lower than a typical stick of RAM. I've even seen |
| with 1 Gigabyte of RAM. If we plugged in a blank 1 Gig | | | | some 32 GB CompactFlash cards that go for the |
| USB flash drive and activated Readyboost, we could | | | | same price or lower than 4 Gigabyte RAM sticks, |
| have a Vista PC with an approximate 1 GB of | | | | though 32 is probably a bit excessive in this case. Just |
| additional memory processing, which will significantly | | | | like RAM, though, you should make sure it's good |
| increase the performance of our commonly-used | | | | quality, compatible with your PC, and |
| programs. The only catch is that the amount of flash | | | | Readyboost-compatible as well. |
| space you allot for memory is reserved, which leaves | | | | Once you've selected the device and plugged it in, you |
| less for files you may want or already have stored on | | | | can go to "Computer" and right-click on that device, |
| that device. | | | | which will probably be labeled as "Removable Disk," |
| Requirements | | | | and click on Properties. Then, click on the Readyboost |
| You must have either Windows Vista or Windows 7 | | | | tab and select "Use this device." At that point you can |
| to take advantage of this built-in feature and a USB or | | | | increase or decrease how much space you want to |
| flash card slot that support the device you want to | | | | reserve, depending on whether you plan to add files to |
| plug in. To make effective use of the technology, the | | | | it later or you just plan to use it for space. Click on OK |
| flash device you plan to use should have at least 1 | | | | when you're done and BAM, you're all set! |