[SimonP]

I have a G4 (OS9) that seems to be runnning slower than usual. Is there anything that I could run to give it a health check or would it just be simpler to increase memory (currently running 64MB)

[Cipher13]

Definately upgrade the RAM, but also, there may be something wrong.
Can we have more system information?

Cipher13

[SimonP]

System Info:
Mac OS 9.0, Mac OS ROM 3.2.1, Processor 350MHz, Hard Drive 10GB (8GB Free), Memory 64MB, Virtual Memory 130MB, Largest unused block 74.7MB.

Typical Memory allocation:
Internet explorer 5.5 - 12MB
Mac OS - 28.8MB
Outlook - 8.9MB
Quark Express - 8.9MB


Recently installed MS Outlook 2001 Beta (email and internet running over Windows NT network)

Could speed be affected by temporary files and where would I find them.

[Cipher13]

Hm... ok, the very first thing to do is to update to MacOS 9.04.
http://asu.info.apple.com

Or, order the 9.1 CD. Don't use the 9.1 download updater.
Also, that beta is a real problem... look for the installer log and get rid of it.

Cipher13

[This message has been edited by Cipher13 (edited 03-27-2001).]

[caifara]

is your computer part of a network?
was it recently?
if so check if appletalk is started, it slows down your computer as hell,

oh, check the topic in mac OS forum: Ways To Make Your Mac Go Faster started by Dangermouse, it's good!

-c

[kidatari]

Get more memory, and turn off VM. It is bound to help. 256mb has really come down in price, it would bring you up to 320. That would make a world of difference.

[ddiokno]

More memory (and turningoff VM) would be your best course of action (and upgrading your OS)... As someone stated earlier, memory is incredibly cheap right now and you can get 256MB for around $80...
dave

[iSilver]

�Why don't you add more RAM or if you can't afford that, try Norton, TechTool or the "hardware Test" CD that cae with your computer.

[OverclockedHomoSapien]

If you're interested in speed, then check out OS 9.1. You can download it, it will work just as well as off the disc, except it's missing the latest versions of a few components. Back everything up before upgraded the OS.

As for the speed problems your having, I'm not sure I can add much. You might try updating your firmware, the latest OS ROM file is 6.1, so you're a bit out of date. This will speed up your system a tad. Be aware of the issues with the latest firmware update (it lowers the tolerance for "bad" RAM, so you've got to have quality RAM for your mac to work. Another reason to avoid ultra-cheap RAM. www.cruical.com carries high quality RAM at good prices, they are Apple's RAM supplier so you know the RAM will work with any firmware updates).

[Gregg]