IMac, Mac OS X and Ram

My question is how much Ram can Mac OS X and typical applications use? I know enough about Windows to know that if you go above 2 gb you have to run with a switch for the system to take advantage of the extra Ram.
I am considering an iMac. Will the iMac use all 4 gbs if that is what I get. What is the max that OS X can use? What about other applications like Firefox, iPhoto or Illustrator?
Thanks
gbs

*"My question is how much Ram can Mac OS X and typical applications use? "*
There is no set amount. The OS and apps use what they need and that depends on what and how many apps you have open.
*"Will the iMac use all 4 gbs if that is what I get."*
If it needs it, yes.
*"What is the max that OS X can use?"*
It's not a matter of how much the OS can use, it's how much the logic board will support.
*"What about other applications like Firefox, iPhoto or Illustrator?"*
Again, it all depends on how you're using them...like the size of the files and how many you have open.
Just buy the 4GBs and not worry about it.

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don008 wrote:
Also the low model can't upgrade ram after purchase is this the case with all the models of the 2014 Mac Mini.
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