[smileygladhands]

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

[horndude]

512mb swap partition or swapfile is fine, thats plenty

yes you need one or you will have "out of memory errors"

actually it can be turned on and off quite easily with the swapon and swapoff commands

ext3 is more reliable than ext2 because its journaled

[smileygladhands]

Thank Horn.

Does the root for the linux OS need to be a primary or logical partition.. or does it matter?

[Sevoma]

Use Primary. Logical is if you have so many primary partitions, that the computer cannot managed it and has to have logical (i believe).

[horndude]

primary

[whisker]

if you have an incredible amount of ram that matches the programs you use, you dont need a swap, otherwise 512 should be good