Add more swap space?

[Tor]

Is it possible to add more swap space to my Linux installation? I think this will help Linux run better because I only have 512mb with 2gb of actual ram. I've been reading that I should have at least 4gb, is this true?

[v0id]

As far as I know, 200 mb is enough swap space. Personally, I use 200 mb, and I've never had any problems, not even when I've played 3D-heavy games.

If you want to change/modify your swap space anyway, then this looks like a nice guide.

[Jordan]

I've always heard and doubled my swap space compared to my physical RAM. So if I have 2 gigs I use 4 gigs of space. I've never used more than 4 gigs of swap though. If you run Oracle or similar then you will about 20gb of swap.

v0id's link should show you how to add more swap.

[Tor]

So I have 1 gig of ram. Should I use 2 gigs of swap or go ahead an up to 4 gigs?

[v0id]

Wow. I've never been aware of this. My 200mb of swap-space is working fine.

[EugenS]

What's the difference between swap partition and swap file?

[rumen]

I think the swap file is an artificially created swap space to fill up when you run out of your actual swap partition. You have to rename a regular file, adjust its size and use it as a backup to your existing swap space.

[Tor]

A swap file is simply a file on your local partition. A swap partition is an entire new partition used as swap space. The reason a partition is better is because a swap file can become fragmented but you can't defrag a system file (swap file) so it slows down your computer.

[EugenS]

Ok, I got it now. Thanks for the info, guys.