System Requirements | Apple Training Series: GarageBand 2

Before beginning to use Apple Training Series: GarageBand 2, you should have a working knowledge of your computer and its operating system. Make sure that you know how to use the mouse and the standard menus and commands and also how to open, save, and close files. If you need to review these techniques, see the printed or online documentation included with your system.

Basic system requirements for GarageBand 2 are as follows:

Mac OS X version 10.3.4 or later.
GarageBand can be installed on a Macintosh computer with at least a 600 MHz G3 processor.
At least 256 megabytes (MB) of physical RAM, 512 (MB) recommended.
DVD drive required to install GarageBand.
For use of Software Instruments, a Macintosh G4 or G5.
In order to make full use of all features of GarageBand, a screen resolution of 1024 x 768 pixels or more is recommended.
Approximately 4.3 GB of free disk space to install the GarageBand application and media.

System Requirements for Software Instruments

Software Instruments require a Macintosh G4 or G5 and at least 256 MB of physical RAM. If you are working on a G3, you will not be able to play or record Software Instruments in GarageBand. You will be able to open the song; you just won't be able to play it without overloading your processor.

If you are working with a slower computer, follow along with the exercises in the book using the actual lessons to learn how to work with Software Instruments. Then, download the alternative G3 version of the projects from this book's companion Web site, www.peachpit.com/ats.gb2. The G3 versions of the songs there are recreations of the songs using Real Instrument regions instead of Software Instrument regions. You will be able to play the songs in the G3 project to hear the different tracks and the finished songs.

If you are working with a slower computer, you will find some useful tips and techniques for dealing with slower computers in the first part of Lesson 9.

Hardware Compatibility

GarageBand can operate with any Core Audio- and Core MIDI-compliant audio interface, USB MIDI interface, or even a microphone, keyboard or guitar with the correct adapter. You may need to install additional drivers from the manufacturer of the audio interface in order to provide full Mac OS X support.

For a list of supported audio and MIDI interfaces that work with GarageBand, see the GarageBand Web site at www.apple.com/ilife/garageband/accessories.html.