Lab Handbook

Software

MacPerl

PsyMeans and several other data cleanup programs require a larger-than-default memory allocation for MacPerl. This is how you increase the memory allocation for MacPerl. These instructions can be followed to increase the memory of any other application on your Macintosh, including Word, Excel and PowerPoint which often require a memory increase when handling large tables and graphics.

First, check to see how much available memory you have by selecting "About this Computer..." from the Apple menu. The number you want to play attention to is the Largest Unused Block.

If you have other programs running, you should close them. If you have 16 MB or more Built-in Memory and your "Largest Unused Block" is less than 8 MB, you might need to restart your Macintosh to recover lost memory. Memory can also be gobbled up by Control Panels and Extensions. You may want to switch to the PsyScope extensions set using Extensions Manager (see Setting Up:Extensions Manager).

To change the memory allocation for MacPerl, locate the application and select it by clicking once on the icon. Don't double-click it! If you do, you will need to quit MacPerl. Once it is selected, Choose Get Info... from the File menu. Change the "Preferred size" field to 8000 K. Never change the "Minimum size" for any application. Never change it to a value that is close to or over the value listed in the Largest Unused Block line of the "About this Computer" window or your Macintosh will crash. The more memory you allocate to MacPerl, the less likely it will be that you run out of memory as it is processing data files.

After making this change, you must make sure that there is always at least 8000 K of available memory (largest unused block) before using MacPerl, otherwise your Macintosh may crash.