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    Swap Space

    Discussion in 'Linux Compatibility and Software' started by Adam24367, Dec 3, 2008.

  1. Adam24367

    Adam24367 Notebook Consultant

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    Hello,
    I Would like to know what Swap space for Linux is
    What does it do
    How do i make linux use it
    etc
     
    Adam24367, Dec 3, 2008
    #1
  2. Bog

    Bog Losing it...

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    The swap space is a partition on the hard disk that Linux uses as if it were RAM; it uses swap space for some critical files as well as when available RAM is running low. Windows has something similar, but it is called the page file, and as you can tell it is a file, not a partition.

    Most popular Linux LiveCDs feature partition management software that you can use during the installation process. If you plan on hibernating your laptop, your swap partition must be at least as large as your RAM (ie, 2048MB of RAM = 2048MB of swap, if not slightly more, such as ~2100MB).
     
    Bog, Dec 3, 2008
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  3. Adam24367

    Adam24367 Notebook Consultant

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    Okay.
    Thanks bog!
    :)
     
    Adam24367, Dec 3, 2008
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  4. Bungalo Bill

    Bungalo Bill Notebook Deity

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    Hibernation has a tendancy to not work in linux anyways. My swap feels like wasted space.
     
    Bungalo Bill, Dec 4, 2008
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  5. Adam24367

    Adam24367 Notebook Consultant

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    So, The Installer will set the swap space automattically?
     
    Adam24367, Dec 4, 2008
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  6. ALLurGroceries

    ALLurGroceries  Vegan Vermin Super Moderator

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    Hey there just want to clarify that on 32 bit linux the max swap size is 2048MB so if you go beyond that it will not be used. 64 bit is a different story I think the limit is something ridiculous.

    Edit: Also the installer may set it up for you... it depends on if you choose to partition manually or have the installer do it automatically... in general you will want to set it up manually unless there is nothing else on the disk (another OS/windows for instance).
     
    ALLurGroceries, Dec 4, 2008
    #6