Friday, February 6, 2009

The Memory Scenario

Common scenario time:

"I have a computer/laptop, a Packard Bell/HP/Dell/whatever, how much to put more memory in it?"

"I don't know because I don't know what type of memory it takes," is our reply.

"It's a Packard Bell/HP/Dell/whatever *insert model number that is completely arbitrary to the entire conversation anyway* and I think it's got 250."

"256Mb of memory, okay, but I need..."

"It come up saying something about virtual memory is low. I have 80Gbs of memory."

"No, you have an 80Gb hard drive. Virtual memory is hard disk space. *insert very basic concept of how and what Virtual Memory is*"

"I know nothing about computers." Ah, that old chestnut.

"Yeah but I can't quote you on some memory for your computer until I know what type it takes. It's like going into a garage and saying I want some tyres for my car, they're big, black and round."

The computer typically comes in three weeks later with an 256Mb video card, 512Mb system memory, three anti-virus packages on it (all of which expired months ago), Limewire and WinAntiVirusPro 2009.

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