[Ham-Computers] RAM Defrag

[Hsu, Aaron (NBC Universal)]

OK, I found my original posts from a few months back.  There're attached
below.

For reference, I still say that RAM "defragging" is not necessary and a
waste of time on systems not running 24x7.  A simple reboot is quicker
and cleaner than running a RAM defrag program.  If anyone has a
performance benchmark that shows your system running more than (or even)
1% faster after a RAM "defrag", please let me know.

Now, if you're running into "Memory Leaks", that's a different story.
The problem is that most people have confused the term "fragmentation"
with "memory leak" and just call the solution a "defrag" - they are two
different things (although one solution might solve both problems).
What people really are looking for is a "garbage collection" util to
look for unused RAM left behind by "leaky" programs.  Again, a simple
reboot is probably cleaner (and definitely safer) than a garbage
collection.  I've listed a couple of "garbage collectors" in my previous
posts (attached below).

73,

  - Aaron, NN6O



-=]> Original Message dated 7/13/2005 <[=-

For PC's, RAM Defraging is not necessary - and for Windows, it can be
dangerous.

What you might be thinking of is a "garbage collector".  This is a util
that searches for "lost" memory fragments caused by "leaky" apps (apps
that allocate memory, but don't report it back to the memory manager
when it's done).  Each time you run and quit/exit a "leaky" app, you'll
find less free memory (or worse, system resources) available to Windows.

On relatively "unstable" operating systems like Windows 9x, it's
generally better to just reboot the system if you notice your total
memory count depleting.  Rebooting clears out everything - if you think
about it, when you reboot the OS, the amount of free memory after the
system finishes it's boot process should be more or less the same each
time you boot unless you've made a change (such as installing a new app
or utility).

For "unstable", I mean as in Operating Systems that aren't really
designed to run 24x7 without a reboot.  Many non-Windows OS' can run for
weeks/months/years without a reboot.  On these systems, "garbage
collectors" are somewhat common and are run as part of preventive
maintenance.  The old Novell 3.x servers I managed had built-in garbage
collection and would run for months on end without needing a reboot due
to "lost" memory.  Garbage collection is not usually necessary on the
typical desktop/laptop PC that is rebooted every once in a while.

But, if you insist, try RAMFREE32 and RAMFREE128.  You can get it here:
  http://www.tweak3d.net/tweak/harddrive/2.shtml

There's a link to a pre-compiled version that should work for you.  I
use to use a different app, but can't find it right now.  I might have
it at home - I'll look for it.

The link above is part of a Win9x tweaking guide...use with caution!
And, the "Aaron" mentioned on the compiled download link is not me...I
gave up compiling apps many years ago.



-=]> Folow-up Message dated 7/18/2005 <[=-

Stepping back a bit in time (about 1 week), I found the app I use to use
in Win98 for "garbage collection".  It's called "ResMan and can be found
here: 
  http://www.entechtaiwan.net/util/legacy.shtm

You might also need to download a small support library if not already
installed on your system (there's a link on the page).

I put a shortcut to this app in the Startup group so it always started
up with Windows.  Then, every once in a while, I would open the GUI and
run a "compact memory" when I felt it necessary.  As a bonus, it also
doubles as a task list, though there are much nicer task managers
available (such as "Process Explorer" from sysinternals.com).

Speaking of Sysinternals, if you have never been there, it's time to
visit. The "power" tools that Sysinternals offers are excellent and,
considering the price of most of them (free), they're outstanding!
There are several dozen utils available.  Be careful though...these are
"power user" utilities and you can get yourself in trouble in a hurry if
you're not careful!

73,

  - Aaron Hsu, NN6O