VIRTUAL MEMORY

Rebecca:
I think that the following may help you to better understand virtual memory (or swap files).

Swap File
(Virtual Memory)

A “swap file” is a portion of the Windows 95/98 hard drive that mimics RAM (random-access memory) and which is used when RAM is limited. Data from the least-used parts of RAM are automatically placed into the hard drive swap file until needed again. When this data is needed, it is “swapped” (or “paged”) back into the “physical” memory (RAM), trading places with other little-used data in RAM. This “virtual” memory allows a user to run larger documents or run more software programs simultaneously. On the other hand, this additional memory space can slow the system because a hard drive operates much slower than RAM and it takes time to “swap” data from virtual memory to physical memory.

The larger the swap file, the slower the system performance. If your computer is using a swap file (virtual memory) as large as your computer’s RAM, it may be time to add more RAM.

To analyze the size of your computer’s swap file:
a. Click START -> Programs -> Accessories -> System Tools -> System Monitor.
b. Click EDIT and then select Add Item.
c. Select Memory Manager and then Swapfile Size. Click OK.
d. Then select Swapfile in Use and click OK.
e. Then select Unused Physical Memory and click OK.

Three new monitors will display: (a) how much hard disk space is allocated for the swap file, (b) how large a swap file your computer is currently using, and (c) how much total amount of RAM installed on your computer is not currently in use (“free” memory).

By default, Windows sets the minimum size of the swap file to zero and maximum size according to the system configuration. The default zero minimum saves disk space but causes constant re-sizing of space lessening performance. Computer performance “optimization” can be easily changed by the following after closing all open programs:
A. Right-click My Computer and select Properties. Then select the Performance tab.
B. Select the Virtual Memory button under Advanced Settings. Then click the “Let me specify my own virtual memory settings” button.
C. Select the hard drive (e.g. C:\) to contain the swap file from the Hard Disk box.
D. Set the minimum and maximum swap file sizes to the same value to stop the constant resizing. If you make the sizes too small, system instability, i.e. slow performance or crashes, may result. 50-100MB is good for the average 32-64MB RAM system (upper value for more memory-intensive work). Some recommend 2 times (2X) your total RAM for both minimum and maximum settings; others recommend 2X the total RAM for minimum and 4X total RAM for maximum settings. There is no general agreement concerning this and one can experiment to see what settings improve performance best.
E. Do not disable the virtual memory box.
F. Select OK. A warning message about managing your virtual memory settings will probably pop up. Ignore it for you can always return to the default setting.
G. Finally, reboot your computer.

Best regards,
Fred

Frederick,

That was one of the best, most concise, informative and helpful posts on swap files and virtual memory I've seen. I'm saving it in my stash of "answers to your questions" for future use. Thanks. Excellent work.

Dan



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I agree with Dan B, my problem appears to be solved. Thank you for all your help Frederick, I really appreciate it!

Thanks again,
Rebecca

Many thanks, Dan and Rebecca. It is very nice of both of you.

Best regards,
Fred