Copyright © 1994 Spencer Low of LowTek Creations. All rights reserved.

Introduction

MaxRAM works in conjunction with RAM Doubler™, allowing you to:

• Triple, quadruple, quintuple, or have SIX times as much memory when using RAM Doubler from Connectix Corporation. Normally, RAM Doubler will double your RAM, but with the help of MaxRAM, you can have SIX times the installed memory. That’s right - SIX. For example, if you have 8 MB of real RAM in your Macintosh, MaxRAM will give you 48 MB of RAM. (You can also choose a lower amount, if you desire.)
• Display an indicator in the menu bar that will flash when RAM Doubler is used.

To use MaxRAM, simply double click on it, select the desired amount of RAM (and if you want the indicator on), and click Save. From now on, you’ll have much more RAM than before!!

• • • UPDATER CAUTION • • •

MaxRAM is only used with RAM Doubler 1.0.1, 1.0.2, 1.0.3 or 1.0.4. When updating RAM Doubler while MaxRAM is in use, problems may arise with some updaters. If you’re updating RAM Doubler to a version newer than 1.0.4 (thus, losing the use of MaxRAM), open up MaxRAM, turn the indicator off, select the lowest amount of RAM, click “Save,” and then update RAM Doubler. You will then disengage and completely lose use of MaxRAM.

Shareware Info

Shareware fees for a starving student: I don’t move and destroy furniture, but I would greatly appreciate a nominal $5.00 U.S. check or an international postal money order made payable to “Spencer Low,” or equivalent national currency, if you use MaxRAM or appreciate MaxRAM in any way. Please do not send me international personal checks because the collection fee is more than 4 times the shareware fee. If you cannot pay the shareware fee, please spread the word on how totally cool MaxRAM is or upload MaxRAM to CompuServe, Delphi, GEnie, Internet FTP sites, local BBSs, and anywhere else you may have access to (since I cannot afford to do so) or send a postcard to:

Spencer Low
130 Windward Court
Vallejo, CA 94591
United States of America

Please note that I can only answer all questions and comments via Internet e-mail because e-mail is most efficient and expedient for me at the following address: spencerl@crl.com

When registering, please identify your e-mail address, Macintosh model, version number and distribution source of MaxRAM. If you need the latest version of MaxRAM mailed to you, please send $5.00 U.S., a self-addressed-stamped-mailer (with $0.75 U.S. postage for domestic U.S. mail or $0.95 for international mail) and a diskette. Mailing time is generally 3-6 weeks, depending on my school schedule. I appreciate your understanding. To receive the latest version of MaxRAM, compressed and BinHex’ed by Internet electronic mail, simply send a message to spencerl@crl.com with the Subject line: “Send Latest MaxRAM”. The LowTek Mail Server will automatically send you a copy of the latest version.

Distribution

MaxRAM shall not be distributed in public domain/freeware software compilations. MaxRAM is copyrighted shareware with all rights reserved. Inclusion of MaxRAM with other software products requires the express written permission/authorization by the author. This restriction does not apply to bulletin boards, commercial online services such as America Online, CompuServe and Delphi, and nonprofit Macintosh user groups which hold regularly scheduled public meetings.

Purchase Order Discounts

         Purchased             Discount
               1-9                        none
            10-19                     10 %
            20-29                     20 %
            30-39                     30 %
            40-49                     40 %
         50 or more                 50 %

Requirements

MaxRAM, to function properly, requires the following:

• RAM Doubler 1.0.1, 1.0.2, 1.0.3, or 1.0.4.
• System 7.0 or newer.

MaxRAM works only in conjunction with RAM Doubler with the following requirements: a 68030 or 68040 microprocessor, or a 68020 microprocessor with a PMMU, and at least 4MB of real RAM. MaxRAM does not work on older 68000 series Macintoshes that have been upgraded with an accelerator. Compact Virtual (from Connectix) or OptiMem (from Jump Development) can be used on those machines.

Frequently Asked Questions

How does MaxRAM work?

Usually RAM Doubler’s RAM multiplier value is “2”, but MaxRAM allows you to increase it at the cost of speed, a trade-off that is your choice.

How do I “disable” MaxRAM?

Simply open up MaxRAM, turn the indicator off, select the lowest amount of RAM, and click “Save.”

Why would I use MaxRAM?

MaxRAM is most useful in environments with many applications that do not require extremely large amounts of memory. When multi-tasking with several programs, MaxRAM allows you to work with more programs at once. MaxRAM is also useful if software temporarily needs more memory than installed. MaxRAM lessens the effect of memory fragmentation by giving you more “blocks” of RAM. By increasing your amount of memory with MaxRAM, the memory used by the System Software has more room to expand, thus lessening the chance for potential crashes.

Does MaxRAM slow down my computer?

The speed hit of using MaxRAM depends on several factors: type of Macintosh, amount of real RAM, Disk Cache size (also known as the RAM Cache), and types of software used. When using data intensive multimedia software, MaxRAM is not the most ideal solution. For example, when recording video with an AV Macintosh, MaxRAM will drastically slow your system to a snail’s pace. MaxRAM works with most “common” software. With MaxRAM, the more RAM you use, the slower your Macintosh will become.

Is MaxRAM safe? What computers has it been tested on?

The only problem I’ve had with MaxRAM is when UUParser loads into high memory on certain Macintoshes. To use UUParser with MaxRAM, simply open other programs to fill up RAM, so that UUParser opens in the area from 0MB to 16MB (programs try to open into memory as high as possible). I’ve heard that MaxRAM has a similar problem with the American Heritage Dictionary DELUXE edition. I haven’t been able to test this myself, however, the American Heritage Dictionary REGULAR edition works fine on my Macintosh.

MaxRAM has been tested on the following Macintoshes:
          Mac SE/30
          Mac II
          Mac IIvx
          Mac IIci
          Mac IIsi
          Mac LC II
          Mac LC III
          Mac LC 475
          Performa 450
          Centris 610
          Centris 650
          Quadra 605
          Quadra 610
          Quadra 660AV
          PowerBook 140
          PowerBook 145
          PowerBook 165
          PowerBook 170
          PowerBook Duo 230
          PowerBook 180
          PowerBook 180c

How come the indicator feature doesn’t work on my Mac?

The indicator doesn’t work on some Macintoshes with square corners on the screen (like PowerBooks) since the corner is already white.

Why is MaxRAM only giving me between 8MB and 16MB of RAM?

If 32-bit Addressing is turned off, your Macintosh can only use a limited amount of RAM. By turning on 32-bit Addressing (in the Memory control panel), your Macintosh can use its full potential of RAM. Please make sure that your software is 32-bit compatible before turning on 32-bit Addressing. Please consult the Macintosh Memory Guide available from Connectix.

How come MaxRAM can’t find RAM Doubler in my Extensions folder?

If RAM Doubler is disabled by an extensions manager (like Extensions Manager, Startup Manager, On Startup, Conflict Catcher II, etc.), MaxRAM will be unable to find it. Simply re-enable RAM Doubler and MaxRAM will be able to locate it.

How come MaxRAM doesn’t work with my version of RAM Doubler?

MaxRAM 1.0.4 works with versions 1.0.1, 1.0.2, 1.0.3, and 1.0.4 of RAM Doubler. LowTek Creations cannot promise to release any further updates.

Does MaxRAM work with my Power Macintosh?

No.

How can I make my Mac 32-bit capable?

Some older Macs cannot use 32-bit Addressing without additional software such as MODE32 from Connectix or the 32-bit System Enabler from Apple. If your Macintosh is not 32-bit capable, installing either of these programs will allow you to turn on 32-bit Addressing. The 32-bit System Enabler requires System Software 7.1 or later. MODE32 reportedly works with either System 7 or System 7.1.

How come MaxRAM won’t give me more than 256MB of RAM?

MaxRAM is limited to 256MB of RAM.

Does MaxRAM work with Apple’s RAM Disk software?

No.

User Reviews

“The best test is just to try it [MaxRAM]!”
          Sharon Zardetto Aker, MacUser, August 1994 issue

“Not bad for $5.”
          MACFormat, June 1994 issue

“MaxRAM greatly enhances RAM Doubler’s capability.”
         Chris Oakes, Computer Currents April 5, 1994 issue

“Neat.”
          Tony Reveaux, MicroTimes, May 2, 1994 issue

* * * * * 5 out 5 rating
        Andrew Kim of ZiffNet/Mac on eWorld

“If you have RAMDoubler, you should get a copy of MaxRAM.”
        Dr. Michael C. LaBossiere, Low-End User EMagazine March 1994.

“...this product should be everyone’s choice for shareware add-on of the year! At least one [user group] member was sufficiently impressed that it prompted his purchase of RamDoubler!”
         Tom Hansen of the Vermont MacChamp User Group

“Just started using it, and amazed all of my friends - especially my PC buddies!”
          Jer1 on America Online

Contacting LowTek Creations

Since I am a student and I am unavailable during normal business hours, the best way to reach me is by electronic mail at one of the following addresses:

   America Online      spencerl@crl.com
                  eWorld       spencerl@crl.com
                Internet       spencerl@crl.com
         CompuServe       >INTERNET:spencerl@crl.com

Please do not send e-mail to spencer.low@ocr.com. I no longer have access to that site because they moved to Riverside, California.

When contacting us, please identify your e-mail address, Macintosh model, version number and distribution source of MaxRAM. For shareware payments or other correspondence:

               U.S. Mail      Spencer Low
                                      LowTek Creations
                                      130 Windward Court
                                      Vallejo, CA 94591
                                      USA

Where can I get the latest LowTek software?

 America Online       Most LowTek software is located in the Macintosh
                                     Utilities Forum (keyword: MUT). To find the latest
                                     version of MaxRAM, use the software search to look
                                     for “MaxRAM.”
 Anonymous FTP      On the Internet, anonymous FTP to crl.com and look in the
                                     /users/ro/spencerl/ directory. The latest versions of all
                                     LowTek software are here. Most SUMEX mirrors also have
                                     the latest versions of MaxRAM.
Internet E-Mail      To receive the latest version of MaxRAM, compressed and
                                     BinHex’ed by Internet electronic mail, simply send a message
                                     to spencerl@crl.com with the Subject line:
                                     “Send Latest MaxRAM”. The LowTek Mail Server will
                                     automatically send you a copy of the latest version.
The Byte Out of      (707-747-0306) - Check in Mac Power -> Software ->
the Apple BBS          BOA Sftwr Library for the latest LowTek updates. Or,
                                     contact me as “Spencer Low” on the BOA.

Where can I get RAM Doubler?

RAM Doubler is commercial software available from Connectix Corporation:

            U.S. Mail       Connectix Corporation
                                     2600 Campus Drive
                                     San Mateo, CA 94403

                   Voice       (800) 950-5880
                                     (415) 571-5100

                      Fax        (415) 571-5195

America Online        Command K (keyword), Connectix

      CompuServe        Go MACAVEN, select Section 8

             Internet        Connectix@aol.com

          AppleLink        CONNECTIX          Business
                                     CONNECTIX.TS      Technical Support
                                     CONNECTIX.CS      Customer Service

General Troubleshooting

If you’re having problems with MaxRAM, please check the following:

• You’re running System 7 or newer.
• RAM Doubler version 1.0.1, 1.0.2, 1.0.3, or 1.0.4 is installed, functioning, unlocked and in the Extensions folder.
• You’re not using Apple’s RAM Disk software.

If you’re updating RAM Doubler to a version newer than 1.0.4 (thus, losing the use of MaxRAM), open up MaxRAM, turn the indicator off, select the lowest amount of RAM, click “Save,” and then update RAM Doubler. You will then disengage and completely lose use of MaxRAM.

If your Macintosh tells you to restart to increase your RAM, but restarting doesn’t help, open up MaxRAM, check your settings, click “Save,” and restart your Macintosh. If that doesn’t help, please contact LowTek Creations via Internet e-mail at spencerl@crl.com. Please do not trouble Connectix with MaxRAM questions. I appreciate and welcome your comments and questions via Internet e-mail.

Credits

                Beta Testers      Mark H. Anbinder
                       Ethan K. Butterfield
                       Jim Cummins
                       Philip Cummins
                       DreamWeavr
                       Alan D. Earhart
                       Michael Hale
                       Justin Kirk-Bayley
                       Jerry Klorman
                       David Lohrentz
                       Mac West
                       Larry Rosenstein
                       Jeff Shepherd
                       Jerry Smith
                       Yeak Nai Siew
                       Joshua Stewart
                       Shaun Sutterfield
                       Brian Zimmerman
                                               
    General Assistance       Digu
                                               LowTek Multimedia Department
                                               LowTek Legal Department

Technical Assistance       Justin Kirk Bayley
                                               Ross E. Bergman
                                               Bookmark CD (develop)
                                               Olav Brinkmann
                                               CodeWarrior Gold CD from Metrowerks
                                               Jen Bruder, Metrowerks
                                               Ron Liechty, Metrowerks
                                               Pete Gontier
                                               Jim Luther
                                               Greg Robbins
                                               Larry Rosenstein
                                               Shaun Sutterfield
                                               CodeWarrior Mailing List
                                               comp.sys.mac.programmer

  Internet Assistance        Jim Couch, CRL
                                               CRL Support
                                               crl.general
                                               Louis Deatt
                                               Terry Koyn
                                               Noah Price
                                               The Info-Mac Archivers
                                               The UMICH Archivers

Translation Services       Hiromitsu Harada, Japan
       for MaxRAM 1.0
        Japanese Blurb

      Show Help Module       James W. Walker

SPECIAL THANKS TO ALL THE PREVIOUSLY REGISTERED MAXRAM USERS!!!

Legal Information

All products and company names are trademarks or registered trademarks of their respective holders. LowTek Creations is not liable for any consequences from the use of MaxRAM. LowTek Creations makes no claims whatsoever concerning MaxRAM. LowTek Creations cannot promise to release any further updates of MaxRAM. Information in this document is subject to change without notice. LowTek Creations does not guarantee the information in this document to be correct. LowTek Creations is not liable for any consequences from the use of the information in this document.