allocated memory


Is the amount of RAM allotted to different programs and applications. The amount of allocated memory is preset when you install your program and varies depending on how large the application is.

Making sure that your computer has enough RAM will 1.) increase the ease at which the program processes the file 2.) cause less strain on your system and 3.) prevent your system from crashing.

On a Macintosh, you can change the allotted amount of RAM to a given

program by clicking once on the program icon, choosing “get info” from

the file menu, and changing the minimum and preferred sizes in the

memory requirement box. You must click the actual icon; it won’t work with an alias, and you must be closed out of the program. This option is beneficial when working with large applications, lets say in Photoshop, where an increase of RAM is needed when working on those 50+ MB documents.

On the Windows platform, allocated memory cannot be changed manually. Windows tries to determine how much RAM will be needed for a given application.

Read Also:

  • Alpha Channel

    In graphics, a portion of each pixel’s data that is reserved for transparency information. 32-bit graphics systems contain four channels — three 8-bit channels for red, green, and blue (RGB) and one 8-bit alpha channel. The alpha channel is really a mask– it specifies how the pixel’s colors should be merged with another pixel when […]

  • alpha geek

    Slang term used to describe the one person within your office, business, organization or social group who has the most expertise in technical and computer issues.

  • Alpha Version

    A very early version of a software product that may not contain all of the features that are planned for the final version. Typically, software goes through two stages of testing before it is considered finished. The first stage, called alpha testing, is often performed only by users within the organization developing the software. The […]

  • Alphanumeric

    Describes the combined set of all letters in the alphabet and the numbers 0 through 9. It is useful to group letters and numbers together because many programs treat them identically, and differently from punctuation characters. For example, most operating systems allow you to use any letters or numbers in filenames but prohibit many punctuation […]

  • ambient light

    In digital photography terms, ambient light refers to the natural light in a scene that you are shooting.


Disclaimer: allocated memory definition / meaning should not be considered complete, up to date, and is not intended to be used in place of a visit, consultation, or advice of a legal, medical, or any other professional. All content on this website is for informational purposes only.