New Apple OS X Lion requires 2GB of RAM – Is Your Apple Memory Up To It?

Apple Mac users can now upgrade to what is called ‘one of the most advanced operating systems in the world’ as the eighth release of OS X is available to download. OS X Lion boasts a staggering 250 new features and 3000 additional developer APIs over its predecessors, making an upgrade advisable for anyone using a Mac desktop or MacBook as their main computer.

While the feature-rich operating system promises to make everyday computing even easier and more intuitive, users with some machines may find that their Apple memory needs upgrading before they can tap into the latest version of the OS. The operating system requires 2GB of Ram, which means that some owners will need to purchase and install an Apple memory upgrade before downloading Lion.

One of the key differences in the latest incarnation of OS X is the mission control function, which allows users to tap directly into the heart of their computer and see every program and app running on the Mac. Multi touch and fluid gestures have also been coded into the operating system, designed to allow users to interact fully with the content on screen, be it an email, web page or document.

While 2GB is Apple’s minimum memory requirement, having 4GB of Apple memory available is advisable, allowing the operator to enjoy every facet of the updated system at its full power.

Data Memory Systems, the Apple memory specialists, stocks 2, 4 and 8GB Apple memory kits. Its Apple memory chips are available for most Apple machines. To view available memory upgrades, simply select the model and browse upgrade choices.

To find out more, access memory upgrade guides and to buy Apple and PC memory upgrades securely online, visit http://www.datamemorysystems.com

The New MacBook Airs Are Out But Can You get the Same Computing Power and Save $980

As one of the highest profile technology firms in the world, it’s no surprise that Apple has a habit of rolling out new machines on what seems like a monthly basis. If it’s not iPads, it’s iPhones, but now it’s actually MacBook Airs. Two new models of Apple’s answer to the laptop have just launched. The famously thin machines, once infamously light on useful full-time computing features such as built in CD ROMs and Ethernet. Now though, a new generation of the slimline machines have launched, begging the question, is it time to buy a new MacBook Air or, will upgrading your existing MacBook Pro, MacBook or Apple PowerBook machine give the same functionality for less cash?

Apple is calling the new MacBook Airs “The ultimate everyday notebook". Prices start from $999 but, is almost one thousand dollars a worthy investment?

According to the specs, the new MacBook Airs do boast a faster intel 5 processor, but battery life is the same as the predecesor, the weight is the same and then starting model comes with just 2GB of Apple memory and 64GB solid state storage. The main changes are quoted as being a back lit keyword, a thunderbolt port, the new processor and the Lion operating system upgrade – which can be added to older machines for $20.

Specialist computer memory supply store Data Memory Systems recommend that those on a budget can get the same memory prowess as a new machine by spending as little as $10. For those on a budget, upgrading existing Apple memory is a much cheaper way of speeding up a system and getting that snappy new computer feel than dropping $1000 on a new machine.

Justin Briere, Senior Account Manager at the New Hampshire firm said, “A 1GB DDR2 memory upgrade for a MacBook pro is just $18 with a lifetime warranty. A MacBook Air base model has a maximum memory capacity of 2GB so it’s very cheap, quick and easy to take an existing Apple up to the same amount of memory as a new Apple MacBook Air. “ 

To find out more, access memory upgrade guides and to buy Apple and PC memory upgrades securely online, visit http://www.datamemorysystems.com

Back to School Memory Solutions from Data Memory Systems

There may be a few more weeks before the new school year starts but, alongside buying stationary, books and uniforms, making sure your child has access to a computer for homework tasks is likely to be high on your To Do list.

Although some manufacturers offer cheaper deals on new machines for students and those in part time education, it is cheaper still to work with an existing computer rather than buy brand new equipment for the new semester. Desktops and laptops that have stood the test of time can be quickly and cheaply overhauled ready for the new academic term with a memory upgrade. Rather than spending hundreds of dollars on a brand new Apple or PC, buying an Apple memory chip or upgrading PC memory can give existing equipment a whole new lease on life.

Justin Briere, senior account manager at computer memory specialists Data Memory Systems says, “High school and even college students don’t need top of the line technology to successfully perform their homework tasks. Browsing the internet for research, using word processing packages to write papers or spreadsheet programs for math, even design packages or photo editing software for creative courses can all run extremely well on an existing PC with just a memory upgrade.”

The simple act of installing a memory chip or new RAM takes just a matter of minutes but can be enough to provide your child with the computing power they need to successfully complete all school assignments. And unlike buying a new Apple Mac or investing in a new PC, memory upgrades can be had for as little as $20.

Data Memory Systems also stocks other school and college computing essentials including external hard drives perfect for backing up all assignments and USB flash drives for transporting files from home to school and back again.

To find out more, access memory upgrade guides and to buy Apple and PC memory upgrades securely online, visit http://www.datamemorysystems.com

IBM Announce Computer Memory Breakthrough

IBM has announced a new computer memory breakthrough and paved the way for the most high-tech memory upgrades yet. The firm, which has arguably done more to push forward computer hardware and storage than any other, has produced phase change memory chips (PCM) able to store more data without data corruption problems than ever before.

The new advance in computer memory has been driven by the increasing uptake of cloud computing and virtualization which has seen millions of companies around the world use new, virtual means of storing and sharing information and programs. This trend has led to a demand for ever more efficient and effective PC memory, something IBM thinks it will be able to address with its PCM development.

PCM memory is non volatile which means it still stores data when the computer is shut down and the power switched off. This type of storage is similar to NAND which already exists in Apple memory and PC memory forms and can be found under the casing of most modern machines. Unlike NAND, new data can be added to existing data – currently, existing data has to be marked for deletion before new data can be added in what is known as an erase-write cycle. This is key to the longevity and increased speed expected from IBM’s memory breakthrough as a traditional erase-write cycle can slow down performance and can only be produced a finite number of times. The new chip can perform the same operation around 100 times faster.

In announcing its milestone in memory research and development, IBM said that it had been testing its new chip for cloud and enterprise solutions but, it is expected that the new technology will also speed up home computers when the knowledge filters down to DRAM applications. That’s good news for users who want an altogether speedier computing experience at home and in the small business workplace without access to a private cloud or virtualization technology.

To keep up to date with computer memory technology and to buy apple and PC memory upgrades securely online, visit http://www.datamemorysystems.com

Research Reveals Percentage of Computer Users Afraid of Computer Memory Upgrades

Research released today by a British firm has revealed some shocking computer habits that could help to explain why you’ve been delaying upgrading your computer memory.

According to the survey of 1000 computer owners between the ages of 16 and 70 years old, more than half run their antivirus software in order to find a solution to a slow computer problem. Another 39% admitted to being reluctant to go under the cover of their machine and perform a PC memory or Apple memory upgrade. Just under half (49%) were also unaware of how much RAM their computer had and were fearful of damaging the machine if they tried to install components such as memory themselves.

Despite this reluctance to use available hardware to improve machine performance, the majority of computer owners wait five years on average before buying a new machine the survey reports. Potentially, this means a large proportion of those using PCs or Apples struggle with a machine that is not fast enough to be used enjoyably for years before deciding to upgrade to a newer model.

Data Memory Systems the PC and Apple memory specialists are surprised by these statistics. They point out how easy it to perform a DIY memory upgrade. Justin Briere, Senior Account Manager at the Salem, New Hampshire firm says, “Upgrading a computer’s memory capacity is actually a lot easier than it sounds. I think many are put off thinking you need to be very technology and computer savvy to do something so complicated but it really is a case of choosing the right chip and then following a series of basic instructions. Installing a new PC memory chip can take less than 30 mins to complete.

“While it’s true that there are hundreds of possible brands and sizes of memory available, we have made it easy to buy the right one with an exhaustive list of PC models and their compatible memory upgrades. Simply select your machine from a list and our interface will sort available products into suitable components.”

One of the most surprising aspects of the research is perhaps the willingness of users to suffer with a sub-par performance for years before finally giving in and buying a newer model. Upgrading an existing computer or Mac’s memory size can make an immediate difference and with PC memory prices starting from under $20 it’s a much more economical way to improve day to day computing.

Mr Briere added, “We would encourage any computer user not to be afraid of upgrading their machine. It’s much cheaper to add a new memory chip than buy a whole new desktop or laptop and it’s a very straightforward procedure to accomplish.”

To keep up to date with computer memory technology and to buy apple and PC memory upgrades securely online, visit http://www.datamemorysystems.com

Don’t Be Beaten By iMac 2011 Hard Drive Upgrade Problems

If you have a recent iMac model, performing an Apple Hard Drive Upgrade may be the last thing on your mind. However, if you anticipate wanting to ramp up performance in future, it’s time to start reading up on what to do and what not to do as increasing numbers of Apple users around the world are complaining that Apple has made it difficult for their machines to be upgraded.

While the newer iMacs are considered to have a lot going for them, with lots of great user features, functionality and reliability, the manufacturer has made hard drive upgrades much more difficult than on previous iMac models.

The first problem those wishing to add a bigger drive will come across is how to safely remove the LCD and glass panel protecting the monitor area of the machine. The process can be a lengthy one so it’s important to invest in the right tools for the job. Having purchased what you believed to be the required SATA hard drive, you’ll also need to add suction cups and Torx wrenches.

Place the suction cups on the glass and gently pull to remove. Having set aside (place on a protective surface such as a blanket so as not to scratch the glass while it is left to one side), use the wrench to unscrew the LCD panel. Be sure to place the eight screws in a safe place – they are small and so easy to lose but, difficult to replace. They are best stored in a jar with a lid or even placed in an envelope so that all the screws are stored together ready for reuse when the drive upgrade has been performed.

Carefully lift the LCD screen away from its moorings, creating just enough space to reach a hand through and detach each of the four cables that anchor the screen in place. Avoid pulling the LCD up completely and stretching the cables as this will cause additional problems and may damage other components such as the motherboard.

When the four cables have been detached, you can safely lift the LCD off the base unit and should now be able to see the motherboard and hard drive along with other internal components.

Having reached this stage, a second challenge faces those keen to add a new hard drive to their iMac. Reports suggest that 2011 iMacs have different boot drives to those used on previous incarnations with new firmware that tracks how hot or cold the drive is. Without the firmware, the machine is unable to monitor drive temperature so runs its fan at maximum as a precaution which makes for noisy computing when the machine is put back together with its new components installed.

Fan control software is available for those installing a new hard drive and wanting to control fan speed to reduce machine noise.

Those planning to step up their upgrades and install a new hard drive may also find that the machine fails the Apple Hardware Test. As this test is used by the manufacturer’s certified repair technicians, there is a possibility that some system errors will no longer be covered by the iMac warranty.

For those who wish to upgrade their iMac, there are a few options despite these hurdles – either increase storage capacity by purchasing an external hard drive or USB flash drive or you can always add more memory. This will not expand your storage capabilities but it will give you a boost in speed. A resolution to this problem can not be far. There is always a way and we will bring it to you once we have one.

To keep up to date with computer memory technology and to buy apple and PC memory upgrades securely online, visit http://www.datamemorysystems.com

Will we soon need to password protect our computer memory?

Identity theft is the fastest growing form of fraud in the United States with an estimated 9.9 million Americans falling prey in 2008 – an increase of 22% on the previous year – according to figures released by a Congressional Research Service report into trends and issues relating to identity theft.

Online identity theft has been highlighted as a growing problem and is a key area for concern when consumers make online purchases and use services such as internet banking. While secure password encryption and data protection procedures make online shopping and online banking safe in the majority of cases, new types of computer memory currently under development in labs around the country are raising lots of interesting questions about data storage and whether or not password protection will be required for those upgrading computer memory capabilities in future.

Currently, RAM memory does not store data when the computer is turned off. So however many times you enter your credit card information or personal details such as name, date of birth, social security number, telephone number or address, the information is not stored when the computer is turned off.

However, researchers are working on many new types of memory including non volatile main memory as a means of speeding up how long it takes the computer to turn on and increasing how much apple memory or PC memory fits in to a machine. These next generation computers could soon be a reality if research into developments such as phase changing memory continues apace as it has done in recent months. Although these super charged new memory forms are excellent news for computer users who want an altogether more streamlined performance from their machine, the possibility of RAM that retains its memory also poses a number of security questions.

The new forms of non volatile main memory (NVMM) will retain information such as credit card numbers in theory for years after the computer has been switched off. This becomes an issue for those wary of identity theft as a stolen computer could yield all of the tools needed for the thief to assume the role of the original PC owner. Access to other sensitive information such as invoices, business proposals and contracts between consumer and supplier could also be compromised.

One group of researchers at NC State have been tackling this very problem and brainstorming ways to make new generation computer memory totally secure. They have developed a hardware encryption system, called i-NVMM that determines what information is and isn’t needed by the processor, encrypting data that isn’t needed to make i-NVMM extremely secure.

To keep up to date with computer memory technology and to buy apple and PC memory upgrades securely online, visit http://www.datamemorysystems.com