Computer Forums - View Single Post

smileygladhands · 01-30-2006, 12:37 PM

Ok, I did a search for "swap file"under the Linux threads and, naturally, I got a lot of threads. I didn't look through them all.

But, what I'd like to know - considering that I'm not an experienced linux user - is do I need a swap file? Normally, I would just go ahead and add it and be done with it, but its not like windows where you can simply turn it on and off (virtual page file) or re-position it (to a different drive, etc). It seems much more of a permanent process, although, of course I can reposition partitions - but it is a hassle.

I know some people have had success without one, but I'd like to know if I'm going to run in to some stability problems without one. My Linux system is going to be a dual boot for the moment. I might eventually do away with the windows portion of it, but its my first time setting up Linux and safety nets are good

This system is going to be used like a Windows MCE computer - mostly for recording TV with GBPVR and also to be able to browse the internet, check email, etc. I have Windows XP Pro under a 20GB partition and will be putting Linux on the remainder partition - 10GB for root, 1GB swap file and whatever else is needed. The system has 512 RAM.

The main reason why I ask is because I usually have my page file disabled in windows.. on my other system. 1GB is more than sufficient to run all of my applications and RAM is obviously much faster at accessing files than my HD would be.
I've heard people say that you disabling your page file won't give you much of a difference in performance as long as your page file is configured correctly. But, I personally noticed a huge difference.

Also, one other thing. Ext2 or Ext3 for the root? I think this is going to be a matter of preference, but do I lose any capabilities with one or the other?

Thanks

01-30-2006, 12:37 PM	#1 (permalink)
smileygladhands Ultra Techie Join Date: Mar 2005 Posts: 500	Swap this Ok, I did a search for "swap file"under the Linux threads and, naturally, I got a lot of threads. I didn't look through them all. But, what I'd like to know - considering that I'm not an experienced linux user - is do I need a swap file? Normally, I would just go ahead and add it and be done with it, but its not like windows where you can simply turn it on and off (virtual page file) or re-position it (to a different drive, etc). It seems much more of a permanent process, although, of course I can reposition partitions - but it is a hassle. I know some people have had success without one, but I'd like to know if I'm going to run in to some stability problems without one. My Linux system is going to be a dual boot for the moment. I might eventually do away with the windows portion of it, but its my first time setting up Linux and safety nets are good This system is going to be used like a Windows MCE computer - mostly for recording TV with GBPVR and also to be able to browse the internet, check email, etc. I have Windows XP Pro under a 20GB partition and will be putting Linux on the remainder partition - 10GB for root, 1GB swap file and whatever else is needed. The system has 512 RAM. The main reason why I ask is because I usually have my page file disabled in windows.. on my other system. 1GB is more than sufficient to run all of my applications and RAM is obviously much faster at accessing files than my HD would be. I've heard people say that you disabling your page file won't give you much of a difference in performance as long as your page file is configured correctly. But, I personally noticed a huge difference. Also, one other thing. Ext2 or Ext3 for the root? I think this is going to be a matter of preference, but do I lose any capabilities with one or the other? Thanks __________________ <a href=\"http://www.democracynow.org\"><img src=\"http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y165/smileygladhands/linkbanner468x60.gif\" border=\"0\"></a> \"All over the place, from the popular culture to the propaganda system, there is constant pressure to make people feel that they are helpless, that the only role they can have is to ratify decisions and to consume.\" -Noam Chomsky