Difference between "Inactive?" and "Free?"

[Akira1980]

I have 2GB of memory on my 2.4GHz MBP. When I use iStat and check the memory usage, I have 620MB of "Inactive" and only 26MB of "Free" memory. Is it time to upgrade my memory to 4GB? Also what is the difference between Inactive and Free?

 

[gauchogolfer]

They are basically the same thing. Inactive is memory no longer in use by a program, while Free is just that. Both are available for new processes or programs should the need arise.

 

[WildCowboy]

Inactive is available for your system to use. See this Apple document for details.

 

[Akira1980]

Thanks that info helped. I think I am going to upgrade the memory to 4GB. It doesn't hurt to have more just in case.