Older used systems (2nd hand) are cheap and those who couldn't afford a PC before are entering the PC user world. Also they can't afford upgrades. So this old tip needs recycling to help those get the most out of their system.
This tip is for those systems with < 128MB of RAM. Systems with 128MB or more of RAM will see minimal benefit (if any) from this tip.
Win 98 Swap file.
Explanation:
In running an application Windows uses your RAM to perform the actions of the program. If the needed memory is not available in the RAM, then Windows uses the HDD to store data it is currently using for this program. This area of the HDD Windows calls its swap file (or Virtual Memory). Since the access times to the HDD take way longer than the access times to RAM, using the swap file will significantly slow the PC performance down (sit and wait for the response to your command). The less memory (RAM) you have the more Windows uses this swap file. If Windows manages this swap file it uses the first available free space in each occurrence. Thus after time the swap file is found in bits and pieces all over the drive, making the HDD reader jump back and forth to access these files. This jumping back and forth slows the system down even more and fragments the data on the HDD till all programs used are having to jump back and forth and thus a really slow PC and is the major cause of a HDD needing defragging to improve performance.
The solution is either get more RAM so Windows doesn't need the swap file as often (with large amounts of RAM, no swap file is needed and can be turned off); or manage the swap file in a way that reduces this fragmentation.
TIP:
Multiply the amount of RAM by 2.5. For example: 32MB RAM by 2.5 equals 80MB. Go to System Properties (WinKey+Break) and click the Performance tab. Click the Virtual Memory button. Click the radio button for "Let me specify my own virtual settings". It should show the drive this is for (usually C:\). Place the figure from your calculation above (80MB in my example) in BOTH the Minimum and Maximum boxes. OK your way out. You should defrag your HDD to see the maximum benefits.
This sets a block on the HDD for your swap file that doesn't change and thus will not become fragmented. Also Windows uses some of your limited RAM in managing this file in bits and pieces which with this preset block is not needed. End result is that you will see the system perform faster and will become less fragmented.
HTH, Dana
)
This tip is for those systems with < 128MB of RAM. Systems with 128MB or more of RAM will see minimal benefit (if any) from this tip.
Win 98 Swap file.
Explanation:
In running an application Windows uses your RAM to perform the actions of the program. If the needed memory is not available in the RAM, then Windows uses the HDD to store data it is currently using for this program. This area of the HDD Windows calls its swap file (or Virtual Memory). Since the access times to the HDD take way longer than the access times to RAM, using the swap file will significantly slow the PC performance down (sit and wait for the response to your command). The less memory (RAM) you have the more Windows uses this swap file. If Windows manages this swap file it uses the first available free space in each occurrence. Thus after time the swap file is found in bits and pieces all over the drive, making the HDD reader jump back and forth to access these files. This jumping back and forth slows the system down even more and fragments the data on the HDD till all programs used are having to jump back and forth and thus a really slow PC and is the major cause of a HDD needing defragging to improve performance.
The solution is either get more RAM so Windows doesn't need the swap file as often (with large amounts of RAM, no swap file is needed and can be turned off); or manage the swap file in a way that reduces this fragmentation.
TIP:
Multiply the amount of RAM by 2.5. For example: 32MB RAM by 2.5 equals 80MB. Go to System Properties (WinKey+Break) and click the Performance tab. Click the Virtual Memory button. Click the radio button for "Let me specify my own virtual settings". It should show the drive this is for (usually C:\). Place the figure from your calculation above (80MB in my example) in BOTH the Minimum and Maximum boxes. OK your way out. You should defrag your HDD to see the maximum benefits.
This sets a block on the HDD for your swap file that doesn't change and thus will not become fragmented. Also Windows uses some of your limited RAM in managing this file in bits and pieces which with this preset block is not needed. End result is that you will see the system perform faster and will become less fragmented.
HTH, Dana
)
