Technical questions

[MT-FE11S]

Hi,

I’ve some technical-hardware related questions to ask.

Does any body know what Virtual RAM is and how does it work? And does it have any consequence if we adjust it too low or too high? And how many times in a month should we clean up and defrag our HDD?

If I’m having two RAM each 512 MB and 1 GB, does it matter if I insert both of them in any slots available? Someone suggests that the biggest one should be inserted in first slot and the smaller one in second slots, does it make any sense?

Thanks for any comments and solutions in advance,

[rich912]

For an explanation of Virtual RAM have a look here.

The interval between de-fragmenting the hard drive depends on how you use your system, i.e. how many programs you install or remove but as a general guidline once a month should be sufficient. If you analyze the drive before de-fragmenting you will receive a message as to whether you need to de-fragment or not.

Generally speaking, for best performance, the largest memory module is best placed in slot 1 and you should find markings next to each bay – either 1 or 2. In practice I doubt that you will notice any difference but a speed test may show a small disparity.

[tonybeard]

Rule of thumb is twice the virtual memory of the physical RAM installed. Many defragmentation programs say defrag everyday. This wears out the hard drive as you can imagine erasing and replacing in a more easily accessable part of the page file in concentric circled sectors is the most wearing operation the computer undertakes. However as Rich says if you are using a rubbish internet connection you may need to defrag once a week or playing a glitchy game.

[kee-lo_]

Do you know that in Vista when you put in a USB stick you'll get more virtual RAM? So in essence you can use it as RAM.