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daryllucarelli.com - Daryl R. Lucarelli

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My mac is shutting down - PS CS


I have a G-4 laptop, single processor which has been "adequate" for what I normally do with PS CS as my software. I wanted to try some Pano's and when I try to edit a four or five shot pano (made up of the largest jpg from my 8 megapixel camer) it merges them, slowily ok, and then when I get into PS and do to do some layers it just shuts down, turn's off computer, and even makes the clock in the computer have to be redone.... I think the file is 120 - 130 "bites??" in size. My desk top is only half full. Is my computer messed up or does PS CS have limits on the size of a file it can do. Any tips...other then go spend $3k on a new computer. Daryl


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September 25, 2007

 

Ariel Lepor
  Hey, a new iMac (with much better performance) is only a little over $1k.

Photoshop isn't good with panoramas. I don't know where the problem is. Maybe you need to clean out the fan on your computer, it is overheating with such a large process?


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September 25, 2007

 

Jon Close
  >>"...I think the file is 120 - 130 "bites??" in size."<<
My guess would be it's more like 120 megabytes (MB). Don't know whether you're running into a limitation I PS CS or your computer. How much RAM does your G-4 have? While the absolute minimum 1 gigabyte, I think I've read that at least 2 gigabytes is recommended for running CS.


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September 25, 2007

 
daryllucarelli.com - Daryl R. Lucarelli

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  Thanks so much Jon and Ariel ....I think you are both right....one get a new iMac and I am pretty sure my RAM is the problem.... I know I do not have a 2 Gigabytes, and actually do not think it is even 1 gigabyte....probabily the only 757 or whatever.... I am not sure how but I will check the RAM size when I get home..... the worry I have that is even if I get the upgraded iMac...then I have to figure out how to transfer all into the new one....is the CS to old am I just transfering old headache into new machine....do I need a teckie to transfer all...what other software is not worth transfering etcetc...all of which I would rather be out shooting images on time off instaed of acting like a computer guy..... AGAIN THANKS for you response and good directions on to what I should be leaning towards...


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September 25, 2007

 

W.
 
"the worry I have that is even if I get the upgraded iMac...then I have to figure out how to transfer all into the new one"

If you get a US$ 20 data transfer cable, Firewire, with your new iMac then you will be asked during the setup/startup of the new iMac whether you want the contents of the old one transferred. Press Yes and go get a cup of coffee. All your files and applications will be transferred to and installed on the new iMac for you.

Tada!


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September 25, 2007

 

Jon Close
  On the cheap - add memory your G4. You should be able to boost it to 2 GB for $200 or less. If you're running out of hard disk space, add an accessory hard drive connected via USB 2.0 or Firewire. For example, a fast (7200 rpm) 500 gig drive is just $133. See LINK.


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September 25, 2007

 

Christopher A. Vedros
  I like to give credit where credit is due. I think Ariel gets the prize.

The suggestions about increasing RAM to improve performance are valid, but that would not be the cause for the computer shutting down.

One of the few things that will cause a computer to shut down like you describe is a CPU overheat.

If you've never opened up a PC case, you'll be amazed at how much dust can get in there. You can probably get by with just vacuuming dust out of the fans from the outside, though. Go to Office Depot, Circuit City, Best Buy, etc, and get one of those little vacuum cleaners with a skinny snout made for cleaning computers & keyboards. They are very handy.

Chris Vedros


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September 25, 2007

 

W.
 
You may want to check into http://forums.appleinsider.com/index.php, Daryl.


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September 25, 2007

 
daryllucarelli.com - Daryl R. Lucarelli

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  Thanks again for all of your responses...W. Smith - excellent tip on the transfer of data cable...if I go that route I will definitily do this...Jon - is the suggestion to add memory to the G4 for $200 done via the MAC store or from ???? and I do have a accessory hard drive where I put images for storage and retrieval.... Ariel and Cris - my G4 is a lap top so I do not see where or how it can be cleaned for possible over heating.... I will check out the appleinsider as W. Smith suggests and see too if I can get an appoinment at the local "genuis bar" at the mac store, yet they seem to talk to fast and above my knowledge and just try to sell you new stuff instead of fix what is up....thanks so so much for your time and concerns.. Daryl I will check all of your websites today and enjoy what is probabily excellant images.


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September 26, 2007

 

Ariel Lepor
  Old laptops have all kinds of overheating problems. It usually involves taking the computer somewhat apart and cleaning the fan and heatsink. I recently did this with an HP laptop, and I would think it wouldn't be much different for an Apple laptop.


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September 26, 2007

 

Jon Close
  Check your owners manual for the type (200 pin DDR SODIMM I'm guessing) and maximum clock speed (---MHz or PC--00) of memory your model G4 can use, then get it anywhere you like. MacStore, CDW, B&H, etc.


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September 26, 2007

 

Christopher A. Vedros
  Most laptops have a fan grill on the bottom for air intake and a vent somewhere on the side for exhaust. My wife's HP laptop started shutting down without warning, just like what you are describing. I looked at the bottom, and the intake grills were covered with dust. I cleaned them off with canned air and haven't had the problem again.

I also bought a chill pad for extra ventilation. It has two fans in it, and the laptop sits on top of it. It also has an extra 4 USB ports on the side which are handy.

Chris Vedros


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September 26, 2007

 
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