Jay,
OK, lots of questions here. I'm really still experimenting with this whole
Duo setup. I've been using 8.1 on my 280 with 32 MB of RAM. I dock it for
backups and defragmenting, occasionally for e-mail. But I have all my
generally useful applications on the Duo (e-mail, Quicken, Mariner, and a
host of pdf files I use when trying to help teachers fix their Macs at the
local high school. It's a kind of traveling library and a way to answer my
epmail when waiting for the interminable bureaucracy to revolve.
William Ove suggested that I use the latest system software since I had the
RAM to do it. I started out with 7.5 because it was faster starting up and
didn't take much memory. I've since moved to 8.1 and it's pretty reliable
though pokey to start up.
My question is, since you suggest I use a very small system on a RAM disk,
how do I manage to keep the preferences file current on a system folder
that is on the hard drive? Or do you just can the HD system entirely in
favor of the RAM disk system?
Eudora stores all sorts of stuff in the active system folder. One's browser
bookmarks and such also end up there. So the old system folder just keeps
getting bigger.
I've used a RAM disk on my Performa for the browser cache so I generally
know how they work. But if one runs into a hardware problem it seems all
the old e-mail files and such would likely get lost.
My current preferences folder is 7.5 megs huge.
If I'm booting from the RAM disk only when I'm on a battery how could I use
the e-mail files on the main system? If I'm using a RAM disk exclusively
how can I shrink it enough to keep my e-mail and other on-line kinds of
bulky system files?
And is it really a good idea to be using 8.1?
Still playing,
John Siple
>I think you really NEED to put the System on for effectiveness, but you
>DO NOT what the Mac OS installer considers a minimum system. Its MUCH
>less. Write me for the ABSOLUTE requirements, but when and if this is
>done, you can Put Away your hard disk, which will definitely prevent it
>from spinning up.
>
>I'd also recommend using something that notifies you if your hard drive
>HAS spun up. The "Essential PowerBook Strip" (a most APPROPRIATE name)
>will do this for you, and the good 'ol Command, Shift, and CONTROL and 0
>will put just the HD back to sleep.
>
>j
>
>On 1/24/00 4:34 AM, John Siple < [EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote:
>
>>Are there any simple secrets members may have discovered about effectively
>>using a Ram disk to cut down on hard drive activity?
----------
Duo/2400 List, The friendliest place on the Net!
A listserv for users and fans of Mac subportables.
FAQ at <http://www.themacintoshguy.com/lists/DuoListFAQ.shtml>
Be sure to visit Mac2400! <http://www.sineware.com/mac2400>
X-Router | Share your DSL or cable modem between multiple computers!
Dr. Bott | <http://www.drbott.com/prod/MIH120.html>
PowerBook Guy is | Click here!
Everything PowerBook! | http://www.powerbookguy.com
Midwest Mac Parts ][ <http://www.midwestmac.com>
After-market parts for Macs. ][ 888-356-1104 ][
MacResQ Reader Specials: 2.5GB Seagate SCSI: $119, 4GB IBM SCSI: $199,
Norton Util. 4.0: $29, Mac Parts, Systems & Repairs <http://www.macresq.com>
