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Aptiva-PS/1 - Moving OS/2 Swapper Files
Applicable to: World-Wide
The purpose of a swapper file is to provide additional resources. It uses free disk space as if it were RAM (Random Access Memory). This is known as VIRTUAL MEMORY. Although virtual memory is considerably slower than RAM, it can enhance productivity.
To optimize your overall productivity, you may find it necessary to adjust the variables of the swapper file, called SWAPPER.DAT. The variables include the location, warning size and initial size. To make changes you will need to edit the CONFIG.SYS file. The CONFIG.SYS is located in the root directory (C:\) of the hard drive. Find the line that looks like this:
SWAPPATH=C:\OS2\SYSTEM 2048 4096.
In this example, the swapper file is located in the OS2\SYSTEM subdirectory on the C drive (the default location). If you want to change the location of the swapper file, you should change the path of this line. Relocating the SWAPPER.DAT file can enhance performance by moving it to a different partition or drive where there is more free space to be used. For example, if you want the swapper file to be located on the E drive in the root directory, change the line to look like this:
SWAPPATH=E:\ 2048 4096.
Once you have saved the file and rebooted, the swapper file will be relocated.
What do the parameters mean? The first value (2048) is the MINFREE value. It represents 2 Kb (Kilobytes). When the amount of remaining space on the hard drive containing the SWAPPER.DAT file drops below 2048 Kb, OS/2 will issue a warning message that the swap file is running out of room to grow. This value can be set to any amount from 512 Kb to 32,767 Kb. In general, this value can remain low. A warning message issued when there is only 2 Kb free is sufficient for the user to start closing applications or deleting unnecessary files. However, if you prefer to raise the value and ultimately receive advanced warning, you will not sacrifice resources or reduce performance.
The second value (4096) represents the initial size of the swapper file. In this example it is 4 Kb. The initial size will vary greatly from user to user. To determine the best initial size for your swapper file you should be aware of its size while you are working. Set your initial swapper file size equal to or greater than its most common size. You will save time and improve performance by providing adequate virtual memory during bootup, instead of wasting time later by waiting for the swapper file to grow as more resources are demanded.
There are several ways to view the size of SWAPPER.DAT file. From a command prompt of the appropriate drive, type:
C:\> DIR SWAPPER.DAT
This will show you the size of the file. Or you may choose to view the file from the Workplace Shell. Select the OS/2 System Folder and then the Drives Folder. Next select the appropriate drive icon to view the size of the SWAPPER.DAT file. Check the size of the file periodically and make a record. Next, use this record as a basis for setting your initial swap file size.
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OS/2 | |
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Date Created |
11-07-97 | |
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Last Updated |
01-06-98 | |
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Revision Date |
29-05-99 | |
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IBM Aptiva | |
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Product Family |
Aptiva, PS/1 | |
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Machine Type |
2144, 2168, 2155 | |
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