2006-10-26 18:36:41 · 7 answers · asked by justsurviv'n 2 in Computers & Internet ➔ Other - Computers
Depends on what you mean by "compensate."
If you have say, 256MB of RAM, and you are loading up 512MB of programs and data, then as you run, parts of your RAM are swapped out to the disk and replaced with different stuff. As you switch from program to program, you will find that most of the time is spent in swapping rather than "doing." This is called "thrashing" and can kill the performance of a computer.
This may not seem so bad but the operating system switches from program to program behind the scenes thus the entire computer slows down tremendously.
Remember, RAM is generally over 1000 times as fast as disk. So you should try and ensure that you have enough RAM to hold all the programs (including data and DLLs) that you are liable to be running at the same time. Many of these programs are ones that the OS runs for you. They still take up RAM.
As somebody else mentioned, it is almost always better to add RAM. Even if you are forced to toss the old RAM in order to replace it with larger chips, you will be ahead. Big time.
On modern OSs (XP, Linux, Solaris, Mac OS X, etc.) the virtual memory is handled automatically. You don't generally have to touch anything. If your machine is running slowly for lack of RAM then it is probably already paging and you are seeing the difference in response time between RAM and disk. Which indicates that you need more RAM.
Sorry. No free lunches with virtual memory.
2006-10-26 18:58:57 · answer #1 · answered by heb3 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
To a point ONLY - although some applications will actually not make use of your paging file (also known as Virtual Memory)
If you can afford it, I would recommend upgrading your RAM - just make sure you get the right one for your system, as it is not a case of "one size fits all"
As an extra point, Vista is coming fitted with a new feature, which will allow you to use any compatible USB thumb-drives as a quick way of boosting your RAM capabilities
2006-10-26 18:54:39 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Absolutely, but you will encounter a significant decrease in performance since the data is being written to and taken from the hard drive instead of directly from memory. If possible increase your RAM.
2006-10-26 18:50:00 · answer #3 · answered by vanman2u 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Band-aiding never solved a chronic problem. Just go get a RAM card for about $50 to $70 bucks and install it in your machine.
2006-10-26 18:40:41 · answer #4 · answered by Nikolas S 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
common rule of thumb I certainly have consistently long previous via is putting the paging document length to one million one million/2 circumstances the full ram you have put in. different than which you fairly can't flow incorrect with the recommended value.
2016-11-25 22:53:09 · answer #5 · answered by ? 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Only to a point, but even for those that OK with it there is performance issue with paging file.
2006-10-26 19:54:42 · answer #6 · answered by Andy T 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
technically yes you can up to a certain point, but i'd recommend just getting the extra ram unless you're ok with your computer getting real slow
2006-10-26 18:38:46 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋