28 MacDirectory
DEPARTMENT
Q > I'm confused about the installation
of memory in my second generation 8
core Mac Pro ('08 model). I installed 16
GB but only half of it shows up.
- Matt A., Utah
A > The physical arrangement of
memory is key and it varies by model.
Check out OWC's RAM installation videos
at . The '08 model requires
identical pairs of DIMMs that are to be
installed on one riser card until it is filled,
with additional DIMMs going on the
second card.
For those who have a newer "Nehalem"
model, these machines require identical
trios of RAM rather than pairs, so you put
the first set of three DIMMS on one card
and the second set on the second card. If
you fill in all four slots on a card you get
more RAM, but it will cause a noticeable
speed hit.
One more thing about memory: Don't
buy bargain RAM. Look for RAM that is
manufactured to Apple's top line specs
(including heat sinks in some cases) and
that has been
individually tested and
verified by a reliable vendor such as
Crucial or OWC
. A lifetime guarantee on
cheap, unverified RAM is only good for
trading old garbage for new garbage.
Q > What do you recommend for a
good starter application for creating
music?
- Marco, South Carolina
A > GarageBand is an excellent starter
app, as it provides loops and virtual
instruments, it supports mics and real
instruments and it supports such outboard
items as virtual synths and processors as
well as synching with Reason and other
packages. If you want to go beyond this, I
suggest Ableton Live, as it provides a lot
of power along with plenty of
handholding that will get you up to speed
very quickly. As for Logic express, it
provides a transition point for moving up
to Logic Studio, but many musicians find
the Logic series to be totally exasperating.
If you are into serious research, check out
the software listings at Musician's Friend
, then go to the
vendor's Web sites, finishing up with a
Google search for product reviews. A
good, intuitive audio workstation app
does wonders for the creative process
while a highly complex app can halt the
creative process like hitting a brick wall.
Start with online research, then talk with
fellow musicians and consult with the
keyboard pro at your local music store.
Q > Someone offered to give me an old
black-and-white laser printer in good
working order, but I've got a four-color
inkjet that I am quite happy with. Is it
worth the hassle to have both?
- Brent, Ohio
A > If you print a lot of text-based
documents, the laser will beat the pants
off any inkjet, as its consumables are only
a fraction of the cost of an inkjet. And,
with a drill, a funnel and a piece of tape,
you can do your own refills. The fuser
might need replacing after several
thousand pages, at which time you can
either do an online search for a
replacement part or you can toss the
printer into the recycle bin. And count
your savings in inkjet carts. One other
thing: There are all sorts of metallic and
holographic foils that you can use to add
dazzle to laser-printed documents. If you
ever have to do any product comping, this
capability is worth its weight in gold.
Q > I have a 17" Studio Display that I
used to use with my G4 but the connector
doesn't fit my new Mac. Where do I find
an adapter?
- Stefane, California
A > The Studio Display series (which
had "crystal clear" enclosures) have an
ADC connector. This was a big favorite of
mine, as it provided power, video and USB
all in a single cable. The only solution
available is the $100 ADC to DVI adapter
from Apple. My suggestion is to sell the
monitor and buy a new model, as the
adapters have a reputation for failing over
time. Do it quickly, as the resale value is
falling rapidly.
Q > What does Beebe do with her Mac
at midnight?
- Jeff, Texas
A > I would tell you, but then I would
have to kill you.
BEEBE > MACDIRECTORY'S TECH GODDESS
GARAGEBAND
