This software was created for those of us who don't have a lot of RAM and want to know how much is available before trying to open the next program. It uses some toolbox calls that were not in use until system 7.0. It won't run on earlier versions. To run the program most efficiently, put it in the Startup folder in the System Folder. The program gets the size of the free maximum usable ram and converts it into a string that is then formatted to look cool like all Mac things should. I hate ram hungry programs but 30k seems to be about the lowest amount usable to run this program. For now, a small window is displayed in the upper right hand corner of a Mac plus, Mac SE, Mac Classic and who knows where on those big monitors. You can reposition it by clicking on it until it highlights, and then dragging it to the new position. You can also hide and show the window from FreeRam’s File Menu. It will show the current amount of free ram up to 99,999K. If you have more than that, you don't need this application! Do not insert a non-formatted disk into the computer while FreeRam is the current active application (unless you like restarting your computer). If the “Finder” is active, it’s OK. FreeRam runs in the background and is automatically updated every second. If FreeRam is the current active application, with its File menu in the menubar, some of the other menubar items might do a little blinking, once a second, because of the updating taking place. This does not occur when FreeRam is running in the background.
I'm a 47 year old private piano teacher having fun with my Mac SE. I spent about 80 hours creating FreeRam 1.1. I sure could use some extra money right now to buy a new Mac. If you can use this program and have about $10.00 (more or less) to spare, send it to:
Charles G. Marlowe
400 South Railroad #11
Sierra Vista, AZ 85635
My deepest thanks in advance.
By the way, I figured out how to create this program all by myself with a handful of books. I have to give credit to Dave Mark and Cartwright Reed for the valuable information I found in their "Macintosh C Programming Primer" Vol. I, Second Edition. I also learned most of what I know about Think C from Dave's book "Learn C on the Macintosh". It has been a real challenge, but I am hoping that you will make it worth while.
"FreeRam" was created with Think C 5.03, March 22-April 2, 1994.
I plan on turning this program into a control panel device which will have the added option of displaying the current free ram in the menubar like "Super Clock" does with the time. All I need is the extra time and money. Member of Mountain View Computer User Group, Sierra Vista AZ.
***May/16/94 update. As of May 16/94, one person has sent me a check. I was thrilled since it came from Stockholm, Sweden! I bought a Performa 475 ( 8megRam) with my plastic (credit card), so I'm now in the hole about $1,800. I love the machine(even if it doesn't have a prgrammers key) and have developed a new thing! E-Cards™. Electronic Greeting Cards. Look for them on your local BBS. So far, I have created a Birthday, Mother's Day, Have a Great Day and Happy Graduation E-Card™. Father's Day and Happy Aniversary should be coming soon. Call 602-458-6304 for more information.
