Tech Tip: Understanding Your Mac's Memory

When we know how something works, then we know how to fix it. Just like understanding how to use a drill allows us to make improvements to our living space, knowing a little bit more about our computers allows us to assess what's working and what is not.

We were immediately drawn to Alex's venture into understanding his Mac's memory usage. Concerned by the apparent lack of free memory, he set out to understand how Mac OSX uses memory and where his memory was going.

One of the typical problems one experiences with their computer is a noticeable slowing down of programs, and the quick fix is to think that you need to install more memory. Rather than blindly shelling out the cash, follow Alex's example and take the time to try to understand where your memory is going. Poking around in your utility programs, like Activity Monitor, will give you a clearer picture of how your computer is operating. You'll find that taking the time to care for your computer, just as you would care for anything else in your home, is time well spent.