Whether it's typing in a new word document, saving that document, or jumping into the latest video game, your computer is constantly running tasks. That processing data is facilitated by the fast, memory-based storage of RAM. This isn't to be confused with your hard drive, which is where all that information lives permanently once it has been retrieved. RAM is a sort of temporary storage that gets wiped when you shut down your computer, but offers lightning-fast access to that data once you power it back on.
Before installing RAM, you should make sure the PC is powered down and unplugged, and open up the case to gain full access to the motherboard. Before opening the case, you should also ground yourself by touching something metal to discharge any static buildup and prevent it from damaging sensitive components inside the PC.
With the case open, you'll need to toggle the plastic retention tabs at either end of a RAM slot (or both) to release them. With the tabs released, remove the old RAM stick by pulling outward on the metal arms on each side of the slot. Repeat this process for any remaining sticks of RAM you plan on installing.
Once you have the new RAM inserted, it's important to note that each stick only fits in one way and you must align the notch on the bottom of the stick with the break in the slot. Apply equal pressure to both sides of the RAM stick until you hear and feel a click, at which point the tabs should close and lock into place.