Chapter 2: Add RAM, Hard Drive Space, and Stir

In This Chapter

arrow.png Understanding the advantages of extra RAM

arrow.png Shopping for a RAM upgrade

arrow.png Choosing between internal and external hard drives

arrow.png Determining your hard drive needs

arrow.png Shopping for a new hard drive

arrow.png Installing your upgrades

Most Macintosh owners will make two upgrades — adding more memory (RAM) and additional hard drive space — during the lifetime of their computers. These two improvements have the greatest effect on the overall performance of OS X. By adding RAM and additional hard drive space, not only do you make more elbow room for your applications and documents, but everything runs faster: Think of the Six Million Dollar Man, only a heck of a lot cheaper to operate (and no strange noises accompanying your every move).

In this chapter — meant for those of you who aren’t well versed in selecting memory modules or weighing the advantages ...

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