Re: -> Advice needed: drive & //gs

[spector@vax2.concordia.ca (Mitchell Spector)]

In article dempson@actrix.gen.nz (David Empson) writes...
>
>In article <1994Oct10.134029.74486@kuhub.cc.ukans.edu>,
>Steve <skohns@kuhub.cc.ukans.edu> wrote:
>> 
>> Anyway, my problem is how to run software that requires (nearly) that 1MB of
>> RAM.  Is there a way to bypass the Finder (Windows) setup, so I just run
>> something from my harddrive in ProDOS?
> 
>Removing Finder won't help much - it doesn't hang around in memory
>after you've launched a program.

	Note quite, read below...

>If you need more memory to run some programs, you really only have
>three options:
> 
>- Get more RAM.
> 
>- Remove as many system extensions as possible (desk accessories,
>INITs, drivers, etc.) that you don't need.
> 
>- Use an older version of the system software, which requires less
>memory.

	Here's a fourth option, and it still allows you to use System 6.

- Use the "System 6 Program Launcher" as opposed to the Finder 6.0.x.
  No need to even set up a custom boot disk, just SHIFT-BOOT the copy 
  of the Apple IIgs 'Installer Disk' included with System 6...and voila!

This has two advantages for stock systems with low-memory and no hardrive. 
First off, by avoiding The Finder, you save quite a bit of free RAM for
the program your launching (at least in my case with "Prism" before I upgraded
to 5.125mb RAM). Next, this mini-launcher loads up much quicker than the
the 800k 'System Disk' if all you want to do is launch a program. Also quicker
in the sense there's no time wasted double-clicking and dragging/searching 
folders to launch your desired application. 

>David Empson
>dempson@actrix.gen.nz
>Snail mail: P.O. Box 27-103, Wellington, New Zealand

Mitchell Spector
m_spect@pavo.concordia.ca / spector@vax2.concordia.ca