When is more memory needed?

The article http://docs.info.apple.com/article.html?artnum=107918 is very helpful explaining the different kinds memory shown in the Activity Monitor. The article states, "If the combination of Free and Inactive is very low, then you might need more memory." I am wondering how to decide when more memory would be called for. What is the threshold at which I should consider adding more memory? Is there a per cent of total memory? Something to do with performance? Number of apps I typically run simultaneously?
Current statistics for my PB are
Total memory: 768 MB
Free memory: 114 MB
Inactive memory: 243 MB
With MS Word, Safari, Entourage, Foxfire, MS messenger currently running
-- stephen
PowerBook G4 12-inch   Mac OS X (10.4.6)  

stephen
Another way to judge if you're running out of memory is to look at the Activity Monitor's "System Memory" tab. Notice the statistic about "Page in/outs". If the second number if very large, and especially if it grows steadily while you're using your computer, you should think about adding RAM.
That number growing quickly and steadily is a sign that you're using your hard drive as RAM (the disk thrashing mentioned by another poster).
charlie

Similar Messages

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    <Image Edited By Host>

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