just curious

[BigBosky]

i'm just wondering since i hear this term used alot, what is a swap file?

[filburt1]

The file that your computer uses for virtual memory. (Virtual memory is hard disk space that Windows uses when it runs out of physical memory, or RAM.)

[nishantp]

Originally posted by filburt1
The file that your computer uses for virtual memory. (Virtual memory is hard disk space that Windows uses when it runs out of physical memory, or RAM.)

Ya thats pretty much all it is. You can set the minimum and maximum size of the file (the procedure varies from OS to OS). You can make it bigger to accomodate memory intensive apps and all (lage spreadsheets, databases etc).

[filburt1]

For best performance, set the min and max size to the same number (like, say 80 if you have a ton of RAM). That way, the file won't get fragmented and your hard drive won't thrash.

BTW, NEVER turn off virtual memory, even if you have a ton of RAM. Unlike on a Mac, where for some things you HAVE to turn off VM.