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Thread ID: 9215	2001-05-13 22:11:00	Win 386.swp	Guest (0)	Press F1

Post ID	Timestamp	Content	User
12578	2001-05-13 22:11:00	I have Windows 98 and am trying to get to know the various files and file types and came across a file toward the end of Windows called Win 386.swp -SWP file. I notice that the recorded MB in this file changes radically for no apparent reason. Can someone please tell me the function of this file and whether anything can be done with it or is a 'touch at your peril' type file.Thanks.	Guest (0)
12579	2001-05-14 01:07:00	Win386.swp is the Windows Swap file, the file is used by Windows to simulate extra RAM when you run out of real RAM. The less ram you have and the more programs you have open at once, the more often this file will be accessed. It is not safe to delete it! To change virutal memory settings, right click on 'My computer', select properties, then go to the performace tab. There are two Virtual memory settings; The first is 'Dynamic', (this is the recommended setting and the one you are most likely to have) this is where it will try to grow/shrink the swap file as required. On systems with low disk space this is actually a GOOD thing, because it does not instantly eat hard drive space. On systems with large hard drives this will become an annoyance, and the swap file will fragment, slowing down swapping, causing additional CPU overhead, and causing any further writes to the HD to also become further fragmented... and the circle continues... all this activity is called 'thrashing'. The thrashing that takes place, not only causes lots of excess CPU usage, but slows your access to the hard drive, and causes excess wear for the hard drive. Setting the virtual memory to be 'Static', does several things, first it creates a 'contigious' file, and if created during the initial setup process, is located towards the outside of the drive where the surface speed of the drive is faster. A 'static' file also does not require the computer to work harder to 'grow/shrink' the file size, leaving more power for the task at hand. A static swap file will be indicated by its location, at the root on a drive. The size you use for your swap file is dependent on just what you use your computer for. The rule of thumb is to use 2x your installed RAM but I suggest setting it to a size that you observe under normal use. Always place the swap file on your fastest uncompressed drive if possible.	Guest (0)
12580	2001-05-14 01:36:00	do not set a maxium swapfile size as you run the risk of out of memory errors. set the minimum swapfile size to be slightly bigger than what you would normmally use. this helps stop windows wasting cpu power resizing the swapfile while still allowing for the odd huge swapfile use.	Guest (0)
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