Mac OS X: Reading system memory usage in Activity Monitor

Summary

Should you be worried if your computer only has 10 MB of "Free" memory? Probably not. Learn what the four types of memory in Activity Monitor really mean.

This document applies to Mac OS X and Mac OS X Server versions 10.3 and later.

What does all this mean?

This means you shouldn't worry when the Free memory is low. The only time Free memory should be high is right after the computer starts up. As you use applications or services, memory is used and transitions to Inactive. Applications that need more memory will take from the Inactive, but the Inactive is there just in case you need it again. If the combination of Free and Inactive is very low, then you might need more memory.

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Mac OS X 10.4, 10.5: About installation options

Summary

When you're ready to install Mac OS X 10.4, 10.5 or later, you may notice that you have several installation options available to you while started from the Install disc. If you prefer not to custom install, simply install the software using the default installation.

If you'd like to see your choices, click the Options button that appears when choosing an installation destination. A dialog sheet appears and presents you with several installation choices, listed below. Here's what each type of installation provides.

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