Using “native” application programs
Your computer is compatible with nearly all application programs intended for use with Macintosh computers. But certain programs are designed especially for computers with PowerPC microprocessors. (These are sometimes called “native” applications.) You’ll find that these programs take best advantage of your computer’s speed.
Special memory requirements
Some native programs may be slightly larger than other programs and may take up more memory. If you find that you are running out of memory when you use programs designed for PowerPC microprocessors, you can use space on your computer’s hard disk as additional memory. This feature is called virtual memory. Your computer was developed to take advantage of the virtual memory feature, and comes with virtual memory turned on. For instructions on how to use or increase hard disk space as memory, see the “Memory” topic area of Mac OS Guide, available in the Guide (h) menu.
You can also add more memory to your computer, as described in Appendix C.
Shared libraries
Native programs use special files called shared libraries. These files help the programs to run more efficiently, and can be used by more than one native program simultaneously. Any necessary shared libraries are installed automatically in the System Folder when you install native programs.
If a native program requires a shared library and there is not enough memory available for the shared library, you’ll see a message that the program could not be opened because of insufficient system memory. If this happens, see the “Memory” topic area of Mac OS Guide, available in the Guide (h) menu, for instructions on turning on virtual memory.
If a required shared library is missing, you’ll see a message that the program could not be opened because the shared library could not be found. If this happens, follow the directions that came with your program to reinstall the program. If the shared library is still missing, contact the program’s manufacturer for assistance.
