09-28-2005, 07:38 PM

Hi everyone,

I have a G3 imac, bought it new 5 years ago, and have sine upgraded it to OS 10.3 and 320 RAM; it also is a 400 mHz. We really don't have any BIG programs on it, just the stuff that came with 10.3 plus appleworks.

When we first put in more RAM about a year ago, the computer was REALLY fast, and it was great! But, now it is SO slow!! And, I don't mean the internet, but with offline programs, like appleworks. We have 3 "users" on the computer, and it is definately slowest for me, but I don't have any pictures or music being stored (we burned all of that onto discs hoping it would improve the speed to free up some of the memory). All I really have saved are a BUNCH of applework documents, but that couldn't be it, right?

I have only a basic understanding of comupters, so please tell me, is there ANYTHING I can do to improve the speed, just a little? I have MacJanitor, and use that once a week to keep the computer "clean". What else?

Thank you for any help you may have, sorry I can't be more specific!

:flower:

09-28-2005, 09:29 PM

Are you running 10.3 or 10.3.x (.i.e 10.3.1 - 10.3.9)?

The first thing I would do is add more memory, if you plan to keep the system.

09-29-2005, 12:13 AM

under utilities, disk utility --> repair permissions at least weekly..get a g5?

09-29-2005, 12:28 AM

Originally Posted by earthymama

Hi everyone,

I have a G3 imac, bought it new 5 years ago, and have sine upgraded it to OS 10.3 and 320 RAM; it also is a 400 mHz.

The max your iMac can take is 512 MB of RAM. I would strongly advise on adding RAM to max it out at 512 MB.

........(we burned all of that onto discs hoping it would improve the speed to free up some of the memory). All I really have saved are a BUNCH of applework documents, but that couldn't be it, right?

While I did understand what you meant, and I am sure others did....you freed up HD space, NOT memory by moving and archiving things from your HD. HD space and memory are NOT the same thing :black:
However, if you don't have much room left on the HD, that could be a factor in the slowing down of your system. How much space do you actually have left on your HD? If it is less than 500 MB, you could be running into some slowing. Try to free up some more space if you can. If you have plenty of space left, then try a permissions repair as was suggested.

09-29-2005, 01:25 AM

Do you have lots of background applications set to go at start up?

Have you emptied your Safari cache?

Have you cleared your cookies?

Do you have running lots of applications open at the same time?

All of the above will slow your iMac down to varying degrees.


Hope this helps
Paul

09-29-2005, 02:18 AM

Originally Posted by rman

Are you running 10.3 or 10.3.x (.i.e 10.3.1 - 10.3.9)?

The first thing I would do is add more memory, if you plan to keep the system.

Sorry, I didn't include that. It is 10.3.9.

09-29-2005, 02:20 AM

Originally Posted by menace3054

under utilities, disk utility --> repair permissions at least weekly..get a g5?

I would love to get a G5, but that won't be happening soon.
But, I am trying out the disk utility thing right now. Thanks!!

09-29-2005, 02:23 AM

Originally Posted by D3v1L80Y

The max your iMac can take is 512 MB of RAM. I would strongly advise on adding RAM to max it out at 512 MB.
While I did understand what you meant, and I am sure others did....you freed up HD space, NOT memory by moving and archiving things from your HD. HD space and memory are NOT the same thing :black:
However, if you don't have much room left on the HD, that could be a factor in the slowing down of your system. How much space do you actually have left on your HD? If it is less than 500 MB, you could be running into some slowing. Try to free up some more space if you can. If you have plenty of space left, then try a permissions repair as was suggested.

Yes, thanks for clarifying that. I always get confused between RAM and HD. It looks like I have 1.6 GB left on my HD.

So, maybe I just need to look at upping my RAM, eh?

09-29-2005, 02:26 AM

Originally Posted by pphking

Do you have lots of background applications set to go at start up?

Have you emptied your Safari cache?

Have you cleared your cookies?

Do you have running lots of applications open at the same time?

All of the above will slow your iMac down to varying degrees.


Hope this helps
Paul

About background applications, I don't think so. But, maybe I am not understanding what you mean.
I didn't know about the Safari cache...just went and did that. THANKS!
Just cleared my cookies too!
Usually have Mail, Safari, and Appleworks open at the same time.

Thanks everyone for all your speedy help!

09-29-2005, 10:52 AM

It appears that you have enough free disk space. You have a stable revision of OS X. You have repaired the permissions on your system. You most likely need to increase your RAM. Move from the 320 to 512 as was suggested. I beleive that is where you will see the improvement.