[NTLUG:Discuss] Umm, I'm in need of some advice.

[Kevin Brannen]

David Neeley wrote:
> 
> I've been told that Linux swap should be approximately double the RAM size,
> but more than 128 MB is unnecessary. Is this your experience?

"Swap = RAM x 2" has been a rule-of-thumb in the Unix world for quite some
time.  However, with memory size growing the way it is, I've also heard a
1-to-1 ratio is more normal.  As with many things in life, the answer is "it
depends". :-)  What are you doing with the machine?  How many people are using
it?  etc.

I tend to go with the 1 to 1 ratio, unless I have extenuating circumstances
(like running my Informix server while running StarOffice AND Netscape).  And
one of the great advantages of Linux, is that I'm my own admin; so I can start
with 1 value and increase it if needed later (note: I do that with setting up
swap files instead of swap partitions).

> 
> Also, if you run several different Linux distributions, if you have a
> separate name for the Linux kernel used for each one, can you get away with
> just one /boot partition? (I've never before had the room to do more than
> one distribution on a machine...this should be interesting!)

Probably only if they were the exact same distro and all setup alike;
therefore, no. :-)  And with the new LILO, you really should need to break
/boot out anymore; so install all the distros you want and keep /boot in the /
partition.

HTH,
Kevin


> 
> Thanks.
> 
> David
> 
> ----- Original Message ----- ~Mark
> >
> > This is how I normally partition a dual boot system from scratch, YMMV.
> >
> > Use the Linux install to partition the disk into 4 partitions.
> >
> > (for RedHat)  I don't use DiskDruid so I can't remember it it'll let you
> > do this, if not use the advanced install option.
> >
> >  1 10M primary (for Linux /boot)
> >  1 ??G primary set to active (for Windows)
> >  1 ??G primary (for Linux)
> >  1 128M primary (for Linux swap)
> > New Age Software, Inc.
> > http://www.nas-inet.com
> 
> _______________________________________________
> http://ntlug.org/mailman/listinfo/discuss