Lab 16.1: Configuring Virtual Memory

Every operating system must be able to create a temporary storage space for information. This is the responsibility of RAM. As we expect more from our computers, the demands on RAM also increase.

Memory requirements grow as the complexity of the operating system increases. To boost the amount of space that can be used for memory, the operating system allows you to use part of the hard drive as virtual memory. This area is called the swap file or page file.

Upon completion of this lab, you will be able to:

• Configure the size of the swap or page file

Set Up

You will need a working computer using Windows 98, Windows 2000, and Windows XP.

Exercises

In these exercises, we will show you how to configure virtual memory for Windows 98, Windows 2000, and Windows XP. There are many similarities in this process, but the location for the settings is different for each operating system.

Configuring the Size of the Paging/Swap File for Windows 98

1. Open the System icon in Control Panel:

   Start Settings Control Panel System

2. On the General tab, record the amount of RAM in your system:

3. Click on the Performance tab.

4. Click the Virtual Memory button.

5. In the Virtual Memory window, click the Let Me Specify My Own Virtual Memory Settings option.

6. In the Minimum field, enter the number that equals the amount of RAM. In the Maximum field, enter three times the amount of RAM.

7. Click OK. You will receive a warning that asks you to confirm your actions. Click Yes.

8. Click OK to close the System Properties window.

9. Reboot the system. The new settings are now set.

10. Repeat these steps to set virtual memory back to being automatically controlled by Windows.

Configuring the Size of the Paging/Swap File for Windows 2000

1. Open the System icon in Control Panel:

   Start Settings Control Panel System

2. On the General tab, record the amount of RAM in your system:

3. Click on the Advanced tab to access the virtual memory settings.

4. In the Performance section, click the Performance Options button.

5. In the Performance Options window, click the Change button in the Virtual Memory section.

6. Note the size and location of the current page file:

7. In the Virtual Memory window, in the Initial size field, enter the number that equals the amount of RAM. In the Maximum field, enter three times the amount of RAM.

8. Click OK. You will receive a warning that asks you to confirm your actions. Click Yes.

9. Click OK to close the System Properties window.

10. Reboot the system. The new settings are now set.

11. Repeat these steps to set the virtual memory back to the original settings.

Configuring the Size of the Paging/Swap File for Windows XP

1. Open the System icon in Control Panel:

   Start Control Panel Performance and Maintenance System

2. On the General tab, record the amount of RAM in your system:

3. Click on the Advanced tab to access the virtual memory settings.

4. Click the Settings button in the Performance section.

5. In the Performance Options window, click on the Advanced tab and click the Change button in the Virtual Memory section.

6. Note the size and location of the current page file:

7. In the Virtual Memory window, first click Custom and then in the Initial size field enter the number that equals 1.5 times the amount of RAM. In the Maximum size field, enter three times the amount of RAM.

8. Click OK. You will receive a warning that asks you to confirm your actions. Click Yes.

9. Click OK to close the System Properties window.

10. Reboot the system. The new settings are now set.

11. Repeat these steps to set the virtual memory back to the original settings.