DEFRAG RAM AND OPTIMIZE RAM. WHAT EFFECTS? TIPS? 2

[richardhot]

When a memory utility proposes to "defrag and optimize your RAM", what does this do?

What difference should I notice? How often does one do this?

Naively speaking: if it's harmless/beneficial,why doesn't everyone do it routinely?
Thanks for any advice/tips in this area of memory management.
richardhot

 

[cdogg]

It depends on the OS you're running and whether you leave your pc on for long periods of time. RAM is cleared when you turn off your pc, so a "cold reboot" is just as effective.
~cdogg

"The secret to creativity is knowing how to hide your sources."
- A. Einstein

 

[richardhot]

Hello, cdogg

OS=Win98SE

That's clearing...what about optimizing....is there any downside to this or is it basically a no-brainer benefit?
Thanks
richardhot

 

[cdogg]

I don't think there's a downside to it. Different programs optimize in different ways. So, assuming that the app you're using does it properly, it's pretty much a "no-brainer benefit" as you put it.

One side-note I wanted to mention is that "clearing" RAM and starting over during a reboot is more efficient than having a program "optimize" RAM. Optimizing buys you more time before you have to reboot. This was only a problem in Win9x/ME operating systems. NT systems are a different story...
~cdogg

"The secret to creativity is knowing how to hide your sources."
- A. Einstein

 

[richardhot]

To: cdogg, et al
Thanks. Most informative and sharply-focused.
My questions arise from the fact that my type of troublesome WIN98SE shutdown freezes are apparently connected to memory issues.

richardhot

 

[hchman]

Most experts agree that RAM optimizers do little to "optimize" RAM. In fact it has been shown that most RAM optimizers actually use tricks to make it look like you have mor RAM avoailable than you really do.