Increasing virtual memory space

Q. I am getting a low virtual memory message. I have an eMachine with Windows XP. I can't get an answer anywhere. I only have one program open when it comes up.

A. Let's start by explaining virtual memory. As the name implies, it is not real memory. Rather, it is an area set aside on the hard drive to be used when Random Access Memory overflows. This is considered undesirable, because the hard drive is much slower than RAM. This situation arises when a computer does not have enough RAM. With Windows XP, you need a minimum of 256 megabytes of RAM. Theoretically, you can get by with less. But once Windows and a second large program, like Word, have loaded, RAM will be overflowing. Virtual memory will begin to fill up. Open more programs and you have a problem. If you are editing photos or videos, you may need 512 MB of memory. Memory is cheap, so I always tell people not to stint on it. If you bought your computer at a store, they may be willing to give you a deal on more memory. To see how much memory you have, click Start>>Control Panel. Double- click System. On the General tab, total memory will be listed near the bottom. In the meantime, enlarge the area set aside for virtual memory. To do that, click Start>>Control Panel. Double-click System. Select the Advanced tab. Under Performance, click Settings. Select the Advanced tab. Find Virtual Memory at the bottom of the window, and click Change. Click the option button next to "Custom Size." The minimum should be 1.5 times your memory size. The maximum should be three times your memory. If you continue to have problems, raise the maximum. Keep raising it until you no longer get the message.