INTRODUCTION
Computer memory is one of the most commonly purchased and performed computer upgrade. Below is a listing of different considerations and tips to look for when purchasing computer memory.

TYPE OF MEMORY
Before purchasing any memory or considering purchasing memory it is important that you distinguish the type of memory that is required. Below is a listing of some of the configurations of computer memory.

Memory type: SDRAM, DRAM, SIMM, DIMM, SODIMM, LIMM, RIMM
Amount of Pins: 72-Pin, 30-Pin, etc..
Speed of memory: 10ns, 60ns, 70ns, etc..
Error checking: Parity or Non Parity / ECC or Non-ECC
Voltage: What are the voltage requirements.
Contact material: Gold, Tin or other
Proprietary - Is the memory in your computer proprietary and if it is not is there a manufacturer that your computer company recommends.

Below is a listing of additional considerations to look out when purchasing computer memory.

CONSIDERATIONS
Slots
Before purchasing computer memory it is important that you ensure that there are available slots on the motherboard for the memory to be added into. If there are no available slots memory must be removed before the new memory can be added into the computer.
Required amount
When purchasing computer memory it may be required that more then one memory module be purchased. For example when planning on expanding a computer with SIMM memory it is required that 2 modules be added to the computer at one time. Therefore if you plan on adding a total of 16MB of total memory you will need to purchase two 8MB memory modules. However when upgrading a DIMM module only one DIMM module is required.
Total Memory
Ensure that the amount of memory planned on be added to the computer will not exceed the maximum amount of memory that can be added onto the computer.

AFFECTS
Upgrading the computer system memory may have the following affects on the computer.

Allow for programs that may require steeper memory requirements to be ran.

Help the computer or computer programs speed in load and opening time.

Fix possible out of memory errors.