And as always, these are minimum requirements.  Just because you have that or a bit more doesn't mean that you can then do anything with an application.  More memory will help - some careful pruning of useless applications (SysTray stuff is a great place to begin) and services can increase available memory when in a tight memory situation.

Considering that you can get a 2GB stick of memory for $150, adding an extra 1GB should cost about $50-$100 at worst (unless you are one of those who only wants the high-end Corsair stuff). :)

These days, for very general computer usage (internet, email, wordprocessing), 512MB or 1GB is more than sufficient.  But if you are going to get into 2D/3D CG or any other more intensive applications, you should consider a system with 2GB minimum (depending upon how far you want or need to go, I'd actually recommend 4-16GB with dual or quadcore cpu for serious usage).

C makes it easy to shoot yourself in the foot. C++ makes it harder, but when you do, you blow your whole leg off.

 -- Bjarne Stroustrup

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