Sarah, Windows runs best on a VM when you give it the total 3GB of memory that 32 bit Windows can access, but 3GB is way too much memory to reserve when you only have 4GB total in your computer. That leaves only 1GB of memory for running OSX, the VMware application itself, plus any other Mac apps that you have open. If you choke OSX, then it won't matter how much memory you give to the virtual machine.
If you have 4GB of memory in your Mac: For best performance, use these. For Windows XP, set the memory size to 1GB. For Windows 7, set the memory size to 1.5GB. For Windows Vista, set the memory size to 2GB, but Vista is such a poor user of memory that you shouldn't ever use that for a VM. If you're trying to run as many virtual machines as possible, you can set the memory size to a smaller amount, but, beyond a point, shrinking the memory further will really start to affect performance. You can use as little as 512MB for XP and 1GB for Windows 7 without dramatically affecting performance. They'll still run fairly fast, though not at full speed, and they'll start to lag if you open more than a few programs. If you plan to use your virtual machine like a full PC, with Outlook, IE, Word, and several other programs all open at once, you shouldn't be using these small memory values. People will tell you things like they can run XP with 384MB, or they can run Windows 7 with 512MB. Yes, they can, but they will run slower than they could with sufficient memory. In short, there is a minimal level of memory for a VM that is required to make it even possible to run without being frustratingly unresponsive. Beyond that, there is a level that makes it possible to run a VM without the frustrating lags, but you can't open many programs at once, and you're missing out on some speed benefits. Further still is the optimal memory level, where giving the VM any more memory might improve performance a little, but the improvements are negligible. Finally, there is the maximum amount of memory that it is possible for a VM to use. The ideal is to give the VM as much as it can affectively use, but you can't give it so much that OSX doesn't have any left over for itself. In order to get good results, you have to work out a balance. For example, I use Win 7 VMs, and I give them 3GB of memory. Win 7 could run well with 1.5GB, but, when Windows has a lot of memory available, it uses the extra to hold frequently used system files and other application components in memory, so that it isn't necessary to spend time loading them from the hard drive when needed. I have 8GB of memory in this Mac, so, while giving Windows 7 that extra 1.5GB will only help it run fractionally faster, I have the memory to spare, so it is better to use the extra memory to do what I can to make Windows performance as good as it can be for a VM. Also, be sure that your VM is only using a single processor core. Even though you physical CPU has 2 cores, and it is possible to share both of them between the VM and OSX, everything will run in a more stable manner with a single core VM. With multiple cores set on the VM, I occasionally get choppy speech, and recording audio/audio conferencing tools in Windows don't work correctly. Bryan -----Original Message----- From: macvisionaries@googlegroups.com [mailto:macvisionar...@googlegroups.com] On Behalf Of Sarah Alawami Sent: Wednesday, April 21, 2010 4:58 PM To: macvisionaries@googlegroups.com Subject: Re: the apple user? I ahave a 4 gig dool cor 2.3ghz processer with 4 gigs of ram. jaws and nvda studder and are so chopy it missed words and sounds like diao up connection. On Apr 21, 2010, at 1:27 PM, Buddy Brannan wrote: > Huh. What Mac do you have? There's clearly some problem here; I'm running it > fine on a Macbook Pro, 4GB RAM and my VM only has 2GB allocated to it. > -- > Buddy Brannan, KB5ELV - Erie, PA > Phone: (814) 860-3194 or 888-75-BUDDY > > > > On Apr 21, 2010, at 3:45 PM, Sarah Alawami wrote: > >> vms though apparently cannot run on my mac as the speech gets very choppy. >> I've given it all I can and still no go. >> >> Ah well. Take care. >> >> S >> On Apr 20, 2010, at 9:56 PM, Maurice Mines wrote: >> >>> hi I can't just can't use bootcamp, I must use a vm. I am a edtech >>> ta so i don't to confeuze techer ed studentes. use both jfw, and >>> windoweyes. and so fare me it seems to work.ps please forgive my spealling >>> I am vary tired the end of the term is near. I am not getting much >>> sleep.Maurice ham call kd0iko.On Apr 20, 2010, at 10:51 PM, Sarah Alawami >>> wrote: >>> >>>> You can set up a bootcamp partition so you can use all of yoru system >>>> specks. that is what I did and it works well. vmwhare chokes on my system >>>> so can't use it. >>>> >>>> Take care. >>>> On Apr 20, 2010, at 8:09 PM, olivia norman wrote: >>>> >>>>> This is very helpful information and thanks for sending! I'm a graduate >>>>> student, and I exclusively use the mac for all school work. I mostly use >>>>> iWork to accomplish tasks. The only reason I haven't installed fusion is >>>>> because I don't own an expensive windows screen reader, but I am >>>>> wondering whether this might be a good solution for an internship I will >>>>> be doing in the fall. I really don't want to go back to jusing windows >>>>> after using my mac, so this might work well. I suppose that purchasing >>>>> the expensive windows screen reader might be inevitable, but at least >>>>> I'll be able to use my mac! How much hard drive space would I need to run >>>>> fusion? >>>>> Thank you again for this information! >>>>> Olivia >>>>> >>>>> "Innovation distinguishes between a leader and a follower", Steve >>>>> Jobs >>>>> >>>>> On Apr 20, 2010, at 8:23 PM, denise avant wrote: >>>>> >>>>>> Hi, >>>>>> Yes. Particularly since I am a lawyer with the public defenders office. >>>>>> And my primary role as an appellate and post-conviction attorney is to >>>>>> write briefs, with case citations. >>>>>> I knew about the fusion program, as I have spent time talking to others >>>>>> about the program. I didn't know about the snap shot. >>>>>> So thanks. >>>>>> >>>>>> >>>>>> From: macvisionaries@googlegroups.com >>>>>> [mailto:macvisionar...@googlegroups.com] On Behalf Of John J >>>>>> Herzog >>>>>> Sent: Tuesday, April 20, 2010 7:14 PM >>>>>> To: macvisionaries@googlegroups.com >>>>>> Subject: Re: the apple user? >>>>>> >>>>>> Hello, >>>>>> As a macbook user, who has to write substantial papers for law school, >>>>>> and who has used his computer at a summer internship with Pepsico, I >>>>>> feel I can helpfully answer your questions. >>>>>> Forgive the length of this email. >>>>>> First, the idea that macs are only play toys is complete and utter >>>>>> nonsense. On my mac, I do use the apps like Itunes and Ichat, but I use >>>>>> serious apps as well. Iwork is quite accessible, as is text edit, >>>>>> allowing you to do extensive formatting of documents. Also, the preview >>>>>> application on the mac is one of the best PDF readers I have ever seen. >>>>>> The text is readable with voiceover, and there are few, if any crashes. >>>>>> What other screen readers can you say that about? >>>>>> >>>>>> Next, I will address your concern about microsoft office applications >>>>>> not being accessible. It is true that they do not work with voiceover. >>>>>> However, for about seventy dollars, you can pick up a program called >>>>>> VMware fusion. Fusion allows you to install windows and run it at the >>>>>> same time as your mac. This means that you can use whatever screen >>>>>> reader you like for windows and run office without a hitch. >>>>>> There is one more upside to running fusion on mac. After you have >>>>>> configured windows just the way you want it, you can create what is >>>>>> known as a snapshot. The snapshot will restore your system to its exact >>>>>> configuration at the time you took it, meaning you will always have a >>>>>> fresh install of windows, office, and your screen reader a click away. >>>>>> It's awesome, because it does a complete and utter system restore when >>>>>> windows decides to go south on you. For a blind person, I actually think >>>>>> a mac with fusion is better than a standard windows PC for this reason. >>>>>> Note that a fusion snapshot literally restores all files and settings to >>>>>> the way they were when you took it. It is much more extensive than using >>>>>> the built in windows system restore utility. It has saved my skin a >>>>>> number of times, and I will give you a perfect example. >>>>>> At the beginning of law school, I found it necessary to purchase a >>>>>> scanner with a document feeder. Previously, I had a different scanner >>>>>> that I was using with kurzweil 1000. Now, when I installed the twain >>>>>> drivers for the new scanner, after trying to unsuccessfully remove the >>>>>> old drivers, I found myself in a situation where neither set worked. If >>>>>> I had a standard windows machine, I was facing the real possibility of >>>>>> having to reinstall windows to get either unit to work reliably. Either >>>>>> that, or it was having to spend hours and hours messing with system dll >>>>>> files, and we all know what happens after that. >>>>>> So, instead, I just restored a snapshot I made of my XP machine prior to >>>>>> having installed either Kurzweil or the scanner software. I then >>>>>> installed both on what was essentially a fresh copy of windows, and all >>>>>> was smooth sailing from there. It saved me from endless headaches, plus >>>>>> the burden of having to get a sighted person to help install the screen >>>>>> reader again, and the time that would have been wasted in such a pursuit. >>>>>> I hope this helps answer your questions. >>>>>> John >>>>>> >>>>>> P.S. If you go to www.blindcooltech.com, you can find some excellent >>>>>> demos of the macintosh by Mike Arigo. He even shows how fusion and >>>>>> voiceover work, and he runs window eyes on the XP side of things. >>>>>> >>>>>> Hope this helps. >>>>>> >>>>>> >>>>>> On Apr 20, 2010, at 7:52 PM, denise avant wrote: >>>>>> >>>>>> >>>>>> Hello all, >>>>>> Please forgive the length of this message. >>>>>> In researching the issue of whether to purchase an apple mac or not, >>>>>> I've come across a few people who have expressed criticism if not >>>>>> concern about the mac computers themselves. I own the iphone, and have >>>>>> enjoyed it tremendously. I've been able to do things with the phone I >>>>>> was never able to do with other phones. The only problem I still have is >>>>>> putting in extensions and account numbers once the number is connected. >>>>>> But having said this, I seriously doubt whether I will ever buy another >>>>>> phone, where I don't have accessibility built in. >>>>>> There is an applestoe here in Chicago, and when I've had any problem of >>>>>> any kind, the sales staff has been very easy to deal with. >>>>>> Even when I call on the telephone, I find a very friendly staff. >>>>>> I have my own personal sales representative since I have mac book pro on >>>>>> the drawing board. >>>>>> What I enjoy most of all, is that I can go to an appelstore, and with >>>>>> the exception of a couple of products, there is accessibility right out >>>>>> of the box, with no extra costs or smas to worry about. >>>>>> I'm seeking opinions from those of you who use these computers with >>>>>> voice over. The biggest criticism I've heard that if you're conducting a >>>>>> business or doing a serious project, the mac is not for the blind user. >>>>>> This apparently has to do with the fact that the office aps are not >>>>>> accessible with vo, and iwork9 acts strangely sometimes. >>>>>> Basically, one person, who doesn't use the mac, but is familiar with the >>>>>> product line, told me that the operating system was those who wanted to >>>>>> "play." >>>>>> Can those you have used the macbooks or other appel operating systems >>>>>> address these issues. Thanks. >>>>>> >>>>>> >>>>>> >>>>>> __________ Information from ESET Smart Security, version of virus >>>>>> signature database 5045 (20100420) __________ >>>>>> >>>>>> The message was checked by ESET Smart Security. >>>>>> >>>>>> http://www.eset.com >>>>>> >>>>>> -- >>>>>> You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google >>>>>> Groups "MacVisionaries" group. >>>>>> To post to this group, send email to macvisionar...@googlegroups.com. >>>>>> To unsubscribe from this group, send email >>>>>> tomacvisionaries+unsubscr...@googlegroups.com. >>>>>> For more options, visit this group at >>>>>> http://groups.google.com/group/macvisionaries?hl=en. >>>>>> >>>>>> -- >>>>>> You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google >>>>>> Groups "MacVisionaries" group. >>>>>> To post to this group, send email to macvisionar...@googlegroups.com. >>>>>> To unsubscribe from this group, send email to >>>>>> macvisionaries+unsubscr...@googlegroups.com. >>>>>> For more options, visit this group at >>>>>> http://groups.google.com/group/macvisionaries?hl=en. >>>>>> >>>>>> __________ Information from ESET Smart Security, version of virus >>>>>> signature database 5045 (20100420) __________ >>>>>> >>>>>> >>>>>> The message was checked by ESET Smart Security. >>>>>> >>>>>> >>>>>> http://www.eset.com >>>>>> >>>>>> >>>>>> >>>>>> __________ Information from ESET Smart Security, version of virus >>>>>> signature database 5045 (20100420) __________ >>>>>> >>>>>> The message was checked by ESET Smart Security. >>>>>> >>>>>> http://www.eset.com >>>>>> >>>>>> -- >>>>>> You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google >>>>>> Groups "MacVisionaries" group. >>>>>> To post to this group, send email to macvisionar...@googlegroups.com. >>>>>> To unsubscribe from this group, send email to >>>>>> macvisionaries+unsubscr...@googlegroups.com. >>>>>> For more options, visit this group at >>>>>> http://groups.google.com/group/macvisionaries?hl=en. >>>>> >>>>> >>>>> -- >>>>> You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups >>>>> "MacVisionaries" group. >>>>> To post to this group, send email to macvisionar...@googlegroups.com. >>>>> To unsubscribe from this group, send email to >>>>> macvisionaries+unsubscr...@googlegroups.com. >>>>> For more options, visit this group at >>>>> http://groups.google.com/group/macvisionaries?hl=en. >>>> >>>> >>>> -- >>>> You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups >>>> "MacVisionaries" group. >>>> To post to this group, send email to macvisionar...@googlegroups.com. >>>> To unsubscribe from this group, send email to >>>> macvisionaries+unsubscr...@googlegroups.com. >>>> For more options, visit this group at >>>> http://groups.google.com/group/macvisionaries?hl=en. >>> >>> >>> -- >>> You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups >>> "MacVisionaries" group. >>> To post to this group, send email to macvisionar...@googlegroups.com. >>> To unsubscribe from this group, send email to >>> macvisionaries+unsubscr...@googlegroups.com. >>> For more options, visit this group at >>> http://groups.google.com/group/macvisionaries?hl=en. >> >> >> -- >> You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups >> "MacVisionaries" group. >> To post to this group, send email to macvisionar...@googlegroups.com. >> To unsubscribe from this group, send email to >> macvisionaries+unsubscr...@googlegroups.com. >> For more options, visit this group at >> http://groups.google.com/group/macvisionaries?hl=en. > > -- > You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups > "MacVisionaries" group. > To post to this group, send email to macvisionar...@googlegroups.com. > To unsubscribe from this group, send email to > macvisionaries+unsubscr...@googlegroups.com. > For more options, visit this group at > http://groups.google.com/group/macvisionaries?hl=en. > -- You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups "MacVisionaries" group. 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