Swap files for dummies

[fixrupr]

I would like to learn about the interaction between:

Operating system
Swap files
Partitions

Sites, or book suggestions anyone?

PS: I have done searches and all info found predates modern hardware.

[This message has been edited by fixrupr (edited 12-04-2001).]

[iisbob]

Swap file-virtual RAM placed on your physical hard drive to emulate memory { RAM } when your system runs low in order for your applications and OS not too crash.

That's pretty much simply all it is, just an emulation of physical, volitale RAM that windows has been encoded to look for when your system resources begin to run low so that it does not crash. http://www.PCGuide.com/ubb/rolleyes.gif

( we all know how well it works too)

This was an attempt by MS to incorperate some "smart " features into their operating system to " intelligently " handle resources; and in W2K the swap file ( called pagefile.sys ) is also just that-a virtual RAM file, and it ( w2k/NT ) does handle memory better than the 9X kernel. Simply because it was coded that way for businesses who can't afford to have their systems crashing every day.

Now in today's systems with 128mb's of system RAM or more, there really is less and less of a need for this file; i myself use a simple command line in w98 to force windows to use all system RAM before using the swap file { place it in your system.ini file under the [386Enh] heading-it should look like this-ConservativeSwapFileUsage=1 }, this increases system performance. However, i still let windows " manage " the virtual memory-meaning DO NOT disable your virtual memory settings unless you have 256mb's of RAM or more and know what you are doing!!

As for partitions, they are virtual " file cabinets " that your OS uses to " file " it's data and the keys pointing to it. Without some kind of structure ( ie; partitions, FAT ) the OS would have no clue as to where any of the games you just installed ( or grannies pics ) were located! http://www.PCGuide.com/ubb/smile.gif


Charles has articles on these subjects and many more; may i suggest you peruse the most fantastic diner on the information highway!

PCGUIDE (http://www.pcguide.com/index.htm)!!


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iisbob
""I was gratified to be able to answer promptly, and I did. I said I didn't know."
Mark Twain

[This message has been edited by iisbob (edited 12-04-2001).]

[Whyzman]

iisbob,

Just read your response to fixrupr and I was especially impressed with your wordsmithing, to wit:

Charles has articles on these subjects and many more; may i suggest you peruse the most fantastic diner on the information highway!

PCGUIDE!!


Whoa Baby! Nice visual here...in fact, I'm enjoying dessert as I speak!

PC GUIDE FORUMS! http://www.PCGuide.com/ubb/wink.gif

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May all your dealings in life be win/win!

Whyzman

[fixrupr]

Thanks,
And I do use Charles' commendable compendium, but not meaning to be overly critical, the search engine needs more help than I do. Have any of you tried it lately? I tried it twice concerning above inquiry and after 20 minutes (twice) I gave up on that sucker. Twice, different input, correct Boolian. I have read hereabouts that Charles is doing the best he can and in no way is this meant as an attack on him or PC guide.

iisbob,
if you feel like answering after above diatribe,
What I was hoping to find out via search engine is if I need to set a swap file on a separate partition. Doing this is often mentioned.
I have Athalon 1200, 512mb pc133 (good stuff)
I have not often encountered crashes while running my apps which are not too graphics intensive.
I run win98se, no games, just office apps, mostly MS publisher.
OS and all apps are on 3.5G of 20G HD. Balance empty
I don't do music or video editing.
I wish to have the machine running 100% and if doing swaperoo will move it from 95% to 96% then I will do it. Just reading your post indicates that any advantage might not exist for me. Would it also complicate backups, which are done via complete partition copy to removable HD?
I think your “ ConservativeSwapFileUsage=1” tip might be adequate for now

Thanks
NOTE: maybe search motor is ok as just did it again and it went through in 5-6 seconds

[This message has been edited by fixrupr (edited 12-04-2001).]

[iisbob]

Based on the info you've provided ( and i agree with the common held idea of placing your swap file on a seperate partition/drive ) yes, i would place it on a seperate drive/partition. per statement above.

A really sweet feature of NT/W2K is that you can specify how it handles memory in more detail than the W9X series; ie. you can specify for it to give applications more of a priority than operations-even though ever since W95 the windows OS has been preemptive, { it controls how apps handle memory and itself, instead of the app controling the OS } sometimes for best performance you have to give the programs some of the memory control back.

With your systems specs i really wouldn't be too worried about memory issues; usually it's just us hardcore gamers that run into problems. http://www.PCGuide.com/ubb/smile.gif




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iisbob
""I was gratified to be able to answer promptly, and I did. I said I didn't know."
Mark Twain

[fixrupr]

iisbob,
I was looking for the aforementioned advantages re Win2k, so I clean installed w2k not long ago on separate HD, but had issues with video card, Zip250 and bios, and as this system is near perfect for our use, I decided to leave well enough alone and continue with Win98se.
BTW I designed this system based on info from PC Guide re doing backups. Charles mentioned full partition copy method, which is easy and takes about 15 min using “Drive Copy”.


One difficulty that I had when designing the computer (one year ago) was this problem:

I wished to dual boot W98(mine) and W98(wifes)on separate HD
I was told “no can do” by techies at the university
The solution I found (though not really dual booting) was hardrive switch called Trios by Romtec. Works fine. Can connect up to 3 HD to it. Select boot drive via buttons on front of case.

My question to you and all is: Did the techies tell me true re two hard drives each with same OS not being dual bootable in the normal manner?