After recognizing that it is running on an Apple IIGS, AppleWorks 2.0 uses the built-in memory manager to allocate all memory use. If the Apple IIGS is cold started, several of the tools in ROM are initialized and given small portions of memory for their own use. These tools include the Tool Locator, Memory Manager, and Desktop Manager. Also, the RAMDisk is defined, either as the number specified as the 'Minimum RAMDisk size' or 10K, whichever is larger.
When AppleWorks runs, it starts by allocating most of the first 64K bank and portions of the second 64K for itself. The rest of the memory remains free, available for expansion by the AppleWorks desktop and the RAMDisk.
Therefore, the amount stated by AppleWorks as 'nK free' is the sum of:
- the memory not allocated by the memory manager
- plus the memory already owned by AppleWorks
- less the memory owned by AppleWorks but occupied by documents currently on the desktop.
As AppleWorks runs, this nK of free space gets consumed either by AppleWorks, by the RAMDisk, or by add-on accessory programs.
AppleWorks allocates memory to:
- files that appear on the desktop
- portions, or all, of the AppleWorks program
- free space
As in all earlier versions, AppleWorks removes portions of itself from its portion of RAM if the memory is needed to store data files.