RAM Question

[SuperDave]

I do a lot of video editing/composing and this is where I thought I would see a change but that hasn't happened yet. Perhaps, I don't have a personal relationship with my computer.

[drmsucks]

For the original poster: Not to confuse things but quite often just "adding" RAM can cause system instabilities because of differences in the new and old RAM modules. If you add RAM and start having "problems," remove the newly added RAM.

[Calum]

As long as the RAM is compatible (which the fact that the PC can still boot would support) then there will be no issues with adding RAM, unless the new RAM is actually faulty.
SuperDave, you should see a change, unless your CPU is holding you back when you're editing.

[chevyavalanche04]

its a Vista Premium and I do a little bit of gaming on it so I will definitely add more,

Thank You all for all the help!

[drmsucks]

As long as the RAM is compatible

That's the point - but quite often "compatible" memory is difficult to obtain.

(which the fact that the PC can still boot would support)

Often a system will boot but show instability signs later. I don't want to belabor this, but wanted @chevyavalanche04 to be aware that RAM upgrades may not be as simple as "plug in new RAM and go." Quite often they are - quite often they are not. If problems occur, all he has to do is to remove the new RAM and ask for help.

As far as performance goes, >1GB on XP can be barely noticeable depending on use of computer; for Vista, 2 GB is essential and will be noticeable from boot time (reduced) and throughout the user experience.