IMac Memory is filling up - Questions

Got it - Thanks Theraiguy. I'm going to empty the current iTunes data in the back-up Ext. HD then move the computer based iTunes into that HD. Eventually this will require a second external HD as mentioned by JB8312. It's a bit scary!!

Be patient. You may end up with duplicates, but you'll have everything in one place. It's good to have a second drive for backup. I've got about 750GB of music in my computer library and thoroughly enjoy the convenience. Feel free to shoot me an email if you come across issues.

Epilogue: The process is underway - the complete iTunes library has been transferred to the Ext. HD and, as I write, I am emptying the "Trash" that now contains the old iTunes Music folder. Everything seems to be working OK. One unexpected outcome was that the "old" music folder held 344 GBs of data but when I copied it into the External HD INCLUDING ARTWORK, the Gigs jumped to 649 GB. I can only presume that the artwork is responsible for that jump in memory usage. For those that need explicit instructions on how to make this happen - I found an article on-line Titled "Moving your iTunes Music Folder" - it gave me step by step instructions.

Thanks again Theraiguy - I may take you up on the email offer if there is a hitch.

Check your duplicates. The artwork shouldn't double the amount of space. iTunes likely copied your music folder to the external, which already held the backup files.