R is for RAM

RAM is the life blood of your computer.  Random Access Memory is one of the real powers behind your computer.  When a computer starts, the RAM flies into action telling every bit of data where to go and how to do its job, kinda like a foreman at a work site.  

Joey! Get that "Dick in a Box" video to the monitor!  Now!  Aw, not the jerks from iTunes, again...

Tough but fair, your computer is only as strong as its RAM.  One of the main reasons your computer will begin to slow down is the RAM will either start to go bad or not be powerful enough to handle the newer websites and technologies computers advance to over the years.  Replacing or adding to the RAM is a fix that can give your computer another year or two and be more cost effective than the other option, buying another computer that is more up-to-date.

I think there is a parallel between library life and RAM.  The librarian and library are only as strong as its random memory access, the ability to quickly move from one area of knowledge to another, make intuitive or reasoned leaps as to what a patron is asking, and give simple reader advisory.  Rarely can a person stump a librarian when looking for a good book, especially after giving a few examples as to what the reader likes.

You like Danielle Steele?  Try some Nora Roberts.

You like books on football?  Try Friday Night Lights by H. G. Bissinger.

How about books about training blind horses to jump fences?  Maybe try 636.1?

You like throwing yourself down flights of stairs while tying balloon figures that look like dead celebrities?  I... um... ow... Physical memory dump.  BSD error.  Please call your system administrator.

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