On Mon, Feb 28, 2000 7:10 PM, Davis' Mac Works <mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote: > Substituting virtual memory for real memory is ok for short-term needs, but > if your work routinely needs more memory than you have installed, you need > to install more memory. > I think the key to getting the most out of virtual memory is to remember it's limitations. When using vm, you need to make sure that you have enough physical ram to run your most memory-hungry application and your system heap at its worst. The problem today with calculating that figuret is that many programs use shared libraries. Microsoft programs use these, as does OpenDoc (Cyberdog--my fav). These shared libraries, instead of being loaded into the program's memory partition (visible in the "About this Computer" window) are loaded into the system heap, possibly ballooning it to two or even three times its normal space. (BTW, turning on file mapping by turning on VM allows the system heap to control these shared libraries in a more memory-efficient manner) Either way, once you have that all-important figure, you can know whether or not you need to add physical ram. I would suggest having enough physical ram to handle your two most-used/biggest programs and your system heap. This is the safest, and will reduce crashes tremendously. I have always noticed my crashes start occuring when I'm moving in and out of programs with a bloated system heap, or I suddenly increase my ram load. To help with memory-related crashes, it would be a good policy to restart your computer once or twice a day. This purges your memory, and gives you an opportunity for a quick water break. You can be assured that if you don't do it in a controlled manner, you will be forced to via a crash. :-) The above is a big portion of what I have learned through experience--trial and error, and mostly error. :-) I suppose, in advance of my detractors, I should toss in a caveat here. If you can afford the ram, especially on powerbooks, you should certainly get it. It does reduce problems, and is much faster and more energy efficient. :-) -Jon Glass Krakow, Poland <mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED]> <mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED]> ---------- Duo/2400 List, The friendliest place on the Net! A listserv for users and fans of Mac subportables. FAQ at <http://www.themacintoshguy.com/lists/DuoListFAQ.shtml> Be sure to visit Mac2400! <http://www.sineware.com/mac2400> X-Router | Share your DSL or cable modem between multiple computers! Dr. Bott | <http://www.drbott.com/prod/MIH120.html> PowerBook Guy is | Click here! Everything PowerBook! | http://www.powerbookguy.com Midwest Mac Parts ][ <http://www.midwestmac.com> After-market parts for Macs. ][ 888-356-1104 ][ MacResQ Reader Specials: 2.5GB Seagate SCSI: $119, 4GB IBM SCSI: $199, Norton Util. 4.0: $29, Mac Parts, Systems & Repairs <http://www.macresq.com>
