help Ram Question

I got a new mac. I love this mac. I would like to keep this mac for a long time. The problem is, like with all computers, it will eventually get slow. Since it is an expensive laptop, I don't want it to be *bleep*ing slow as a turtle in 3 years and have to get a new one.

My question is, will adding more ram boost it back up to normal once it gets slow? Sorry if this is a retard question, I'm not good with this stuff.

Also, if ram won't do the trick, is there anything I can do that will 100% work?

quote krausers_nightmare

There is a common misconception that in a year or two, your computer will be operating at a snails pace and you'll be forced to get a new one. Up until my recent upgrade, I used my previous computer for four years and it worked just as fast as the day I built it. Granted it wouldn't run the newest games at the highest settings, but as far as everything else goes, it ran just the same.

Upgrading your ram will help, but keeping your computer clean (keeping out the viruses, adware, malware, etc) and not putting a load of useless bloatware on your system will keep it running fresh.

Do some light periodic maintenance on it, like dusting it out. If components inside a laptop get clogged up with dust and other crap, they will overheat, thus starting a process of performance degradation.

I don't know if they gave you an OS disc with your mac, but sometimes backing up your files and reformatting and doing a clean install of your OS helps too.

So basically I can't download music and videos and stuff, unless I want my laptop to be slow? That's horseshit...

So you're saying the more space taken up on the hard-drive, the slower the laptop runs?

quote harbin

Depends. How much RAM have you got ATM and what do you use your Mac for? RAM doesn't really make a computer more responsive unless you heavily multitask and run programs that need alot of it.

Things that will affect speed of computers are usually CPUs. Unfortunately I'm not quite sure how to upgrade Macs and Macbooks. You might need to ask an Apple rep about upgrades, although I think they do them instore for a higher price.

However, AFAIK Macs generally don't differ much between different editions and upgrades might not be required unless you are sure it really makes a difference to upgrade.

I do no gaming on this laptop. The only things I use it for are downloading quite a bit of music, and the occasional video. I also use it for homework, and general internet browsing. It has 4 gigs of RAM.

quote krausers_nightmare

No I'm not saying don't put movies and music on your computer, I'm saying don't stuff it with BS software that garbles up your resources.

For example, programs will piggyback on other installations when you try to install them and if you aren't careful when you install the program that you actually want, you'll get about 3 or 4 others as well. Today I downloaded the new version of Core Temp and the install also cam with other programs like google toolbar and some 'internet security' programs. They're all garbage and just take up space on my computer and eat up my resources.

Oh, I see. So, just to clarify a bit more, the things that slow your computer down are the things that use your resources up, not things like music and videos that can be played on a program that is pre-installed on your computer?

quote Unbeaten

I got a new mac. I love this mac. I would like to keep this mac for a long time. The problem is, like with all computers, it will eventually get slow. Since it is an expensive laptop, I don't want it to be *bleep*ing slow as a turtle in 3 years and have to get a new one.

My question is, will adding more ram boost it back up to normal once it gets slow? Sorry if this is a retard question, I'm not good with this stuff.

Also, if ram won't do the trick, is there anything I can do that will 100% work?

Ok, here's my opinion on the topic (as in, take it with a grain of salt)

First off, your first mistake is getting a laptop. Your second mistake is getting a mac.

Upgrades with desktop PCs are extremely easy, bit harder for a regular laptop (have to find a specific part that is 100% compatible, bit tricky with all these manufacturers), and even harder for a mac (most of them can't get upgraded as they are a closed system).

If you are looking for a powerful daily computer to use, the best option is to get a desktop, for both performance and cost efficiency. You should never purchase an expensive laptop since in 3-5 years, it becomes a very expensive paperweight.

In short, even if you stick more RAM in it, it won't change the fact that your CPU will be outdated and will run "heavy" programs (such as final cut) 3-4 years from now like a slug, even WITH extreme care and regular maintenance.

Macs use the same hardware as other laptops. You're paying double or triple the price of an equivalent laptop for a brand name. Big, big mistake.

quote Gligar

quote Crusad3r

Your second mistake is getting a mac.

You just made my day

Anyways, to me it sounds like you have bloatwares. Its basically full/free-trial softwares that came with your laptop the first time you bought it. Normally, people tend to leave these on their computers/laptops. I'd recommend un-installing ANY programs that you dont use.
Also, since you say you use your laptop for homework and internet browsing, I'll say theres a high chance that you probably have a virus and/or malware since a laptop with 4gigs of RAM generally doesn't go slow if you use it solely for that purpose. Download a AV (e.g. Avast) and malwarebytes and check for virsus/malware.

I think he's trying to prevent future slowdown, not a current issue.

And I think getting a mac was the FIRST mistake.