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Using hard disk space as memory
Your computer can use space on a hard disk to increase the
memory available for opening programs. The disk space, called
virtual memory, is not available for storing files.
Your computer should contain enough built-in memory for your
regular needs—that is, for the programs you frequently have open
simultaneously. You can use virtual memory when you want to
open additional programs or work with extremely large
documents.
Virtual memory is most effective when you are using several small
programs simultaneously. It slows the computer’s performance if
you’re using one very large program.
You adjust the use of virtual memory in the Memory control
panel.
1. Choose Control Panels from the Apple (K) menu and
open the Memory control panel.
2. Click the On button to turn on virtual memory.
3. Press the pop-up menu and drag to choose a hard disk
to use for virtual memory.
4. Click the up and down arrows to set the amount of disk
space to be used as virtual memory.
The preset amount is equal to the amount of RAM installed in
your computer. Choosing a larger amount of virtual memory is
likely to slow the computer’s performance, so it is
recommended that you accept the preset size.
continues .
Chapter 10: Adapting Your Computer to Your Own Use 157
Pop-up menu of hard disks in use
Space available on the disk
Macintosh HD
Total memory (includes
virtual memory)