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82 Appendix C Optimizing Your Computer Audio System
Audio applications place high demands on the platters and mechanical parts of a hard
drive. Regular hard drive maintenance is particularly important for ensuring stable, and
consistent, drive operation. This includes de-fragmentation and performance checks.
Frequent de-fragmentation has a positive effect on the life of a hard drive. The hard
drive tools that ship with the operating system are a safe choice but these may not
detect, or repair, all problems.
Note: As a general rule, the larger the hard drive, the less frequently it will need to be
defragmented.
Hard drives are subject to wear-and-tear. Should your hard drive utility detect problems
more and more frequently, it might be a precursor to a drive failure. Back up your data
and consider replacing the drive before a total failure occurs.
Software
When deciding on software to install on your computer music system, the general rule
is “less is more.” Ideally, only the standard operating system plus Logic, and maybe the
components required for accessing the Internet, would be installed on your system. In
the real world, however, this isn’t always practical …
You should avoid running other applications—unless absolutely necessary—while
using Logic. Mac OS X is very good at multi-tasking, but why take away any potential
power from Logic? Running that word processor in the background, or leaving your
Internet connection “live” could cost you that “one last” reverb you need to finish a
track.
Backup
The most important rule when using computers: Always back up your data!
This is particularly true for a computer music system, as you will generate huge
amounts of data in a short amount of time—often under demanding conditions.
For this reason, it’s a good idea to back up your most important data on several
external storage media—on a daily basis! If this seems a little paranoid, just consider
the price of storage media compared to the value of your music. If your computer (or
hard-disk) decides to self-destruct, the result is often the unrecoverable loss of
important data, and with it, hours of work and inspiration.
If you make your living with a computer music system, you might want to invest in a
professional backup solution—see your music/computer dealer for further information
and assistance.