becky@dciem.UUCP (Becky Kettlewell) (04/10/85)
I don't know why people are so critical of Assim's Ram Disk ie. "Mac
Memory Disc". I have found that if one really evaluates ones needs in terms of
programs used and when these programs prefer to access the disk, then it seems
that one can design an appropriate start up Ram Disk that can really utilize
this product.
Example: Start up Ram Disk; with 316 K set aside.
1) System folder has 129 K. I used Resource and Font mover to remove the
calculator, puzzle, caps, alarm clock and heaven forbid the printer file.
The printer file is kept on another 'data disk' which is inserted only when I
wish to print or save the files that I am presently working on.
The only remaining fonts are New York 12, Geneva 9,12,18,24, Monaco 9
and Chicago 12. I am not sure but I think one could use a few less Geneva's ie 9
& 18.
2) Mac Write and Mac Terminal are also on the Ram Disk and there is
about 30 K of free Ram Disk space remaining for storing temporary files.
As I said before, I don't have any disks in the drives because every
time you close an application the Mac spins its disks. This takes up time and it
is rather redundant.
When I wish to save or print a document, then I just put in a "data
disk" onto which I store the files. You could leave the data disk in or eject
it. The later allows the Mac to run on only its Ram Disk.
Results: Open MacWrite - 3 seconds !
Quit MacWrite and arrive at desk top - 4 seconds !
Open MacTerminal - 5 seconds and that includes having to
respond to a dialog box warning you that the printer is not available.
Close MacTerminal and open MacWrite - 8 seconds !
I find this great since I prefer to write my programs in MacWrite which has a
more flexible editor "for the rest of us!". I then copy to scrapbook and open
MacTerminal and paste in the new program or parts of it. I do find this faster
and easier than standard UNIX editors.
Working with the Ram Disk and nothing else in the drives is just awesome !!!!
I would prefer a 1 meg. Mac which just uses a huge Ram Disk. One 800Kdisk drive
would of course be nice so long as the Mac will not spin the disk every time you
open or close an application which has nothing to do with the contents of the
floppy !
In summary I have found that there is some real potential in this Ram Disk
when you trim down your system folder to the bare needs. The end result is
similar to a single disk drive 128 K Mac that goes like lightening!