Posts

Mac OS X RAM Test

How To Test RAM Using Mac OS X

, , ,

Whenever I get a new stick of RAM for my Mac or PC, I’m always eager to just plug it in and start using it to its fullest, but having worked on hundreds of computers and encountering dozens of bad memory modules has convinced me that thorough testing is a must. While off-the-shelf PCs can run a copy of the free Ultimate Boot CD tool to perform RAM tests, Macs are a little bit more complicated in this respect. If you’ve purchased AppleCare for your Mac, it comes with a bootable TechTool Deluxe disc, but you’re otherwise left to your own devices when it comes to hardware tests.

Fortunately, with a little preparation right now, you can boot your Mac into Single User Mode and do a complete RAM test in the future. While you can run the necessary software in a fully-booted system, I recommend doing testing in Single User Mode where there are far less programs loaded in memory, and less chance of an important system component getting corrupted if your machine freezes or kernel panics — common symptoms of bad memory. A modified Mac OS X boot CD would be ideal, but that’s another post for another day!

DOWNLOAD MEMTEST

The testing setup isn’t terribly complex; I’ve taken the liberty of putting together an installable package which will put the Memtest utility into your /usr/bin/ folder. Memtest is a Unix command-line program that does the memory testing, and is the Mac equivalent of MemTest86.

MEMTEST USAGE

To run memtest on a new memory module, first shut down your computer and install the new chip. (Some helpful guides for doing this can be found at iFixit, if you’re unsure of the exact steps.) Ensure the chip is firmly in place, close up your machine (or don’t, if you’re a pessimist), and power it on while holding down the Command and S keys to force Mac OS X to boot into Single User Mode. Once you see a black screen with white text, you can release the key combination. After all the system logging is done scrolling past, type memtest all 2 to test all memory two times. Two passes should be enough to detect any blatant problems, but I wouldn’t hesitate to let it run for hours on end if I suspected an intermittent memory problem (memtest all). When complete, you should be greeted with “All tests passed” if your new RAM is in good condition. If your system locks up or freezes indefinitely during the test, you may have a bad memory module on your hands.

Thanks to OSXDaily and Command-Tab for the article.

/by

TurkReno Assisted Services for Dedicated Servers

TurkReno Cuts I.T. Overhead for Customers

New Offering from TurkReno Equals Expert Support & Great Value

Daphne, Alabama (April, 18th, 2009) – TurkReno Inc., a Professional Web Design and Computer Service, is expanding options for its dedicated server customers by adding an Assisted Service Plan – a professional solution without the traditional costs.

TurkReno’s technical support will address needed patches, backups, monitoring and vulnerability assessments.

Customers can get the power of a dedicated server without having to perform all of the administrative tasks associated with an unmanaged account such as server startup, patching and anti-virus protection. Add-on services, with the purchase of a service contract, include security scans, backup and recovery, monitoring and escalation management, at no additional fee. Custom engineering options are also available, billed at a flat hourly rate.

The plan can be added to qualified dedicated hosting accounts during the purchase process. While users are provided with a basic startup environment, TurkReno can also assist customers who have special needs. As with all dedicated servers accounts, customers can choose from a wide range of options including operating systems, RAM, hard drives, processors and firewalls. In addition, as with all TurkReno services, the plan is backed by TurkReno’s round the clock customer support.

For more information on TurkReno’s dedicated server plans, visit https://turkreno.com/contact/.

About TurkReno:

TurkReno’s mission statement consists two of parts: First, our goal is to attempt to serve our clients in any Internet Technology related issue and service. Second, our mission is to virtualize companies to exist anywhere by using the Internet.

As a company, and as individuals, we value integrity, honesty, openness, personal excellence, constructive self-criticism, continual self-improvement, and mutual respect. We are committed to our customers and partners and have a passion for technology. We take on big challenges, and pride ourselves on seeing them through. We hold ourselves accountable to our customers, shareholders, partners, and employees by honoring our commitments, providing results, and striving for the highest quality.

We have spent the previous two and a half years undergoing intense research, development and testing of our technology and strategies, while also building strong relationships within the community. We are actively servicing our networks and carry voice and data services for many business clients and telecommunications companies.

– TurkReno, Inc. –

© 2009 TurkReno Inc. All Rights Reserved.

/by