How to Check Memory Space on a Computer
By Perry Piekarski
Memory is an essential component to any computer. Generally speaking, there are two types of memory most computer users need to know about: RAM and hard disk space. RAM (short for Random Access Memory) determines how many tasks and processes your computer can execute at any given moment while hard disk space determines how many files and programs you can save on your computer. Checking the free space and total memory of both your RAM and hard disk is possible on any operating system.
Windows Vista/Windows 7
Click the "Start" button on your Windows Vista or Windows 7 desktop.
Right-click "Computer" and select "Properties." The total available RAM on your PC is listed under "Installed Memory (RAM)."
Hold "Shift" and "Ctrl," and press "Escape" to open the Task Manager.
Select the "Performance" tab. The total RAM your computer is using at that moment is listed in the "Memory" section on the left side of the Task Manager.
Return to the Start menu and click "Computer." The C: drive is your computer's hard disk. Beneath it should be a small bar depicting how much memory you have available and the total hard disk space on your PC. Right-clicking this icon, selecting "Properties" and choosing the "General" tab gives you more details about your available and total hard disk space.
Mac
Click the "Apple" icon on the top bar to open the Apple menu.
Click "About This Mac." The total RAM available on your Mac is listed under the "Memory" section.
Open the Finder and open "Applications," and select "Utilities."
Open the "Activity Monitor." It's called the "ProcessViewer" in older versions of the Mac operating system.
Click "System Memory" tab to view information about your computer's RAM usage. Click the "Disk Usage" tab to view your computer's available and total hard disk space.
References
Tips
- Both RAM and hard disk space are easily upgraded.
Writer Bio
Supported by his wit, charm and love for language, Perry Piekarski is a professional writer holding a Bachelor of Arts in professional writing from Kutztown University of Pennsylvania. Piekarski is the former Executive Editor of Binge Gamer, a full-time sales associate at Best Buy and, whenever he has an extra moment, a freelance writer.