Mac memory and storage guides

Short answers to common questions about memory and disk space on a Mac, checked against Apple's own documentation where it exists.

How to free up RAM on a Mac: what works and what does not

Why a low free-memory number is normal, why RAM cleaners disappoint, and what helps when your Mac really is short.

What green, yellow and red mean, how swap and compression fit in, and three ways to check it, including Terminal.

Why Cached Files is not wasted memory, why near zero free RAM is normal, and the signs that mean real trouble.

What System Data contains, how to find what is big without deleting anything, and a short list of what is safe to remove.

Where an app leaves files after you drag it to the Trash, how to find them by hand, and what you should not delete.

Install Boost

Free and open source, installed with Homebrew.

Other ways to install