memory and dvd burner

[stephysat]

researching the best way to add memory to my computer, that has xp op, looking at either 1gb memory module kit or 256 mb ram module.
also want to install a combo internal dvd/cd burner, what is the difference in dual format - multiformat and the issue of atapi/eide ?
thank you for you imput
NOTE: this is an older computer i have taught myself to get running from the bare bones this is another learning experience.

[Devinco]

-{ Quote: "researching the best way to add memory to my computer, that has xp op, looking at either 1gb memory module kit or 256 mb ram module.
also want to install a combo internal dvd/cd burner, what is the difference in dual format - multiformat and the issue of atapi/eide ?
thank you for you imput
NOTE: this is an older computer i have taught myself to get running from the bare bones this is another learning experience." }-
Hi stephysat,

First the memory. Get out your motherboard manual and locate the part that explains everything about the RAM. How many slots, type of RAM, RAM spec (PC2100), Maximum size per DIMM, Maximum total RAM for motherboard, RAM speed (6ns), etc. Then find out how much RAM you currently have and how many RAM slots are available. Especially with an older computer, you should load it up with RAM (up to a point) to compensate for the slower processor. If it is an older computer, you probably won't have to be concerned about dual channel RAM with matched DIMM pairs.
If you want to know what the specs mean, just post all the RAM specs in the manual here and we can clear it up. You could also mention your CPU speed so we would know how old it is.

When you say combo internal dvd/cd burner be careful because there are still some DVD player only/CD Burner drives out there. Make sure it is a DVD+-RW CDRW drive. Get a drive that is dual format +- so it will work with any DVD media. The drive will be ATAPI so that is not an issue. There is only one DVD that I heard of so far that uses SATA, but that doesn't apply since it is an older computer.