Upgrading your RAM from 4GB to 8GB is likely the best solution to your problem. Generally, “heavy-duty” programs like the ones you mentioned would need something a lot more powerful than a Lenovo Ideapad, and upgrading to 8GB is the best you can likely do with that given device. The only thing you’ll want to be aware of is that opening your device will void the warranty, so be sure this is what you want before you proceed.
A user from the Lenovo forums described the process of removing the back panel to access the RAM as follows: “Basically you pry off the rubber feet, unscrew the 4 screws you'll find, then (VERY) carefully work your way around the space between the back panel and the silver plastic.”
Any additional information you may need can be found on iFixit’s troubleshooting guide for the U310: [[Lenovo IdeaPad U310 Troubleshooting]]
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If your laptop is running progressively slower and the hard drive activity LED is blinking constantly, use this [https://www.ifixit.com/Wiki/Lenovo_IdeaPad_U530_Touch_is_Running_Progressively_Slower?revisionid=HEAD|Lenovo IdeaPad U530 Touch is Running Progressively Slower problem page] for possible causes and solutions.
Upgrading your RAM from 4GB to 8GB is likely the best solution to your problem. Generally, “heavy-duty” programs like the ones you mentioned would need something a lot more powerful than a Lenovo Ideapad, and upgrading to 8GB is the best you can likely do with that given device. The only thing you’ll want to be aware of is that opening your device will void the warranty, so be sure this is what you want before you proceed.
A user from the Lenovo forums described the process of removing the back panel to access the RAM as follows: “Basically you pry off the rubber feet, unscrew the 4 screws you'll find, then (VERY) carefully work your way around the space between the back panel and the silver plastic.”
Any additional information you may need can be found on iFixit’s troubleshooting guide for the U310: [[Lenovo IdeaPad U310 Troubleshooting]]