I want to upgrade to Maverick but I only have 1 GB of memory. I have an iMac8,1 so how do I get more memory?

Memory = RAM

Macs can be very Fussy about RAM...

You can use these Links to check which RAM is suitable for your Mac...

http://eshop.macsales.com/shop/apple/memory/

http://www.crucial.com

It is Important to get the Correct and Matching RAM

Those sites also have videos on how to Install RAM should you need it....

Lyle Cass wrote:

I want to upgrade to Maverick

It is both Prudent and Recommended to Backup Before any Major Update or Upgrade.

See these 2 links from The SAFE MAC about Backups

http://www.reedcorner.net/guides/backups/ch1.php

http://www.reedcorner.net/guides/backups/ch2.php