How can I fix the buffering on my iBook

Max it out on RAM. An example of buffer use is in streaming online multimedia content. Without use of a buffer, one would either have to wait for the entire file to load to the local machine before play, or endure playback with breaks and jumps created by millisecond (or longer) delays in the data stream.

Here’s how it works: Files, data, music and video are all transported across the Internet in small, discreet data packets. These packets arrive independently and have to be recombined and reordered to recreate the original data stream without interruption. If a data packet is missing, video playback will “jump” to the next packet in line. To avoid this, a few seconds worth of the stream is stored in the buffer, then as playback begins, the buffer stays just ahead of the display, “paving the way” for smooth sailing.

Some people might deduce it’s a good idea to configure the buffer to be very large to ensure smooth playback. The problem is, the bigger the buffer, the less system RAM available for other tasks. In the case of graphics cards that share memory with system RAM, creating a buffer that is too large can actually degrade playback, as the graphics card might run short on the memory required to display streaming content. This can cause playback to appear as though it’s being viewed through heat waves, become jumpy, break up, or intermittently hang.

Since the optimum buffer size is determined foremostly by connection speed and system RAM, playback problems can often be improved or fully corrected by adjusting the buffer to be either slightly smaller or slightly larger. The correction that will serve best also depends on reliability and speed of the source of the streaming content. A smaller buffer can work quite well with a fast source, offering quicker playback and additional RAM for graphics rendering. A slower source might require a slightly larger buffer, all else being equal. Experimentation might be necessary.

Adding RAM to a system that shares memory with the graphics card (referred to as integrated graphics) can also improve streaming media by allowing a larger buffer without compromising playback quality. Adding system RAM can also help if the graphics card has only a nominal amount of on-board RAM.

Setting buffer size for multimedia content is normally accessible through the software used for listening or watching streaming materials. Typically a slider control allows the user to increase or decrease the amount of memory set aside for the buffer.