How much RAM should I be running? I think I have some teeny amount, like 256DDR that is just not doing me well. How much should I have? I'm not sure how much mine is capable of. I'm running XP.

How much memory depends on how you use your computer and more importantly the applications you use. Some applications like Photoshop, for example, require a lot of RAM to run efficiently. If you like to open a lot of applications at the same time, the more RAM, the better. For XP, your 256MB will just barely be maintaining you and I'd opt for a cool 1GB.

Thanks Pauli. I was looking online at ram, it's it better to have the amount split among several sticks, or have just one "big" one?

Yes, splitting is better. You need to find out what your mother board is. Once you know that you will be able to find out what type of RAM it takes, and how many slots there are.

I would aim at 2GB personally, for comfort. It's pretty cheap now too. Anyway, by splitting, if one stick dies, you still have others. If it's one huge stick and it dies, your machine falls over

Like others have said, the right amount of RAM depends on what you use your computer to do. Since you've been getting by with256MB on XP, it doesn't seem like you've bneen doing much - so 1GB should get you flying and maybe 2GB is too much. Vista is a different story - the more the better.

While on the subject of RAM - can you actually have too much of it? I thought the more memory, the better it was and your system would be faster.

I don't think that there is such a thing as too much RAM. There might be a time when you get so much that the computer can't control it, but really there isn't a danger yet. If your motherboard can handle it, you'll be ok.

I have never heard of a problem with the motherboard over too much ram. If the system has room for it, pile it on if you can. XP worked well for me with 1 gb but 2 gb would give you an extra cushion if you should end up needing it. If you ever get Vista, don't have anything less than 2 gb or you will not be at all happy with the performance.

A friend of mine has also recommended that you keep RAM based on your Hard Disk space. If you have a 160GB HD on XP, he recommends a 1GB RAM minimum. My recommendation is that if you're not running a lot of intensive programs, which appears so, since you claim to be running on 256MB, then 1 GB should really be quite enough. However, I recommend you go for a single 2GB stick, which will be a good investment for the future. Later on, as and when required, you can upgrade RAM by purchasing another RAM stick.

I gb is very sufficient for Windows Xp if you are not using so many third party applications.