1GB of inactive memory? Unibody mbp 2.53, 4GB

[Storm9]

My activity monitor says that 1GB of my RAM is inactive? What does that mean?

 

[Tallest Skil]

That means you're not currently using it.

 

[Storm9]

That means you're not currently using it.

Isnt that the free memory?

 

[Kevlar]

Isnt that the free memory?

Inactive is currently 'reserved' for apps you have openned and closed. If it is needed OSX will free it. If not it will remain 'reserved' so that the apps that were using it before can access it quicker.

 

[kastenbrust]

Isnt that the free memory?

No, if you dont understand it then don't worry about it because it would take a few lessons to understand.

All your RAM is being used, you dont need to worry how, but it is, nothings getting wasted.

RAM is sometimes inactive and only becomes active when theres a need for it, for example running a large program or game. However sometimes rather than becoming inactive again it stays unused so it can be quickly utilised by a program when needed, i.e. reserved, like booking a space in restaurant even when your not there, to guarantee you a place.

 

[Storm9]

Ah, ok I understand how it works now. Thanks!

 

[amitdoc2b]

Inactive is currently 'reserved' for apps you have openned and closed. If it is needed OSX will free it. If not it will remain 'reserved' so that the apps that were using it before can access it quicker.

cool i didnt know this either.. good tip.. and good original post as well

 

[jav6454]

If you wanna clear it out, a reboot does the trick. However, its best to have it there to have apps like Safari or Firefox to pop open faster.

 

[KingYaba]

If you wanna clear it out, a reboot does the trick

Don't even do that. Just open Disk Utility and verify permissions.