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The procedures described below will let you find out how much memory (Random Access Memory - RAM) you are using and therefore whether you would benefit from more. The information relates to Windows 95/98/ME PCs only.

Running System Monitor
Using the mouse, click on the Start Button (bottom left of task bar), choose Programs> Accessories> System Tools then System Monitor. (If the option System Monitor is not present go to Installing System Monitor). The program System Monitor checks what resources are being used by Windows 95/98.

When first run it displays Kernel Processor Usage (%) - as we are not interested in this item we need to remove it. To do this click on the edit menu item then choose remove item, click on Kernel Processor Usage (%) then OK.

Now we must add the items which are of interest in determining whether more RAM would be useful. Click on the edit menu item then choose add item, click on category Memory Manager then the item Allocated Memory then the OK button. Click on the edit menu item again then choose add item, click on category Memory Manager then the item Swapfile in Use then the OK button.

By default the program checks usage every 5 seconds. We wish to change this - go to options menu item then Chart, move the slider to the right until it reads 10 minutes then click on OK. The graph will display up to 50 readings. At 10 minute intervals this will monitor about a day's use of the PC. (See chart, right)

When to use System Monitor
Start the program every time you re-boot your PC if you wish to check memory usage. Bear in mind that the program itself will consume some system resources.

So do I need more RAM?
If the graph for 'Swapfile in Use' goes above zero then you are using the hard disk in place of RAM. You must decide whether it is worth buying more RAM. The more programs you have open at once the more RAM you will need. Some programs do not release the RAM they have used so it is worth shutting down and restarting the PC from time to time if you find the 'Swapfile in Use' reading increases when certain programs are used but does not decrease after closing those programs down.

Generally speaking the standard RAM for modern PC's is 128Mb but you may find you need more for memory hungry applications such as image editing and running multi-tasking environments.

To automatically start System Monitor
You can set the system up to automatically start the System Monitor program every time you switch on your PC.

Run Windows Explorer. (Start button then Programs> Windows Explorer). Double click on the folder Windows in the left hand frame, repeat this procedure on Start Menu> Programs> Startup (all beneath Windows). Click with the right mouse button on the folder Startup and choose the File menu item then New and Shortcut options. Type "C:\WINDOWS\SYSMON.EXE" into the dialogue box and click on the OK button.

Installing System Monitor
Click on the Start button then Control Panel. Double click on the Add/Remove Programs Icon, choose the Windows Setup tab, click on accessories then the details button. Tick the option System Monitor then click on the OK button, then on the 2nd OK button. Insert your Windows 95 CD when requested and click OK. Point to the path for the installation files on the CD (D:\WIN95 is normal). You will get a message saying you must restart the PC click on the Yes button. When the PC reboots follow the instructions for running System Monitor.

Disclaimer: This document is provided by Cravenplan Computers Limited (01747 858000) and is intended as a quick overview of the subject - no responsibility will attach to Cravenplan for any inaccuracies contained within. In addition the details contained within apply to goods supplied by any manufacturer.