Is my system using too many resources?

sabashuali · 26-07-2008, 09:55 AM

I am using Debian with KDE and I was looking at my System Guard and it shows that although my CPU load is quite low and so is my Swap use (negligible at 4kb) my RAM use is nearly total

at app. 510MB (out of 512).

This cannot be right can it? Am I reading this all wrong?

The process table shows very little percentages, normally between 2% - 0%.

What is eating all my RAM?

megamaced · 26-07-2008, 07:35 PM

I think Linux uses as much physical RAM as needed to run faster, then delegates it to other applications that you start. If your PC was using a lot of swap space then I would be worried about memory usage.

On my system, Ubuntu 8.04, with Compiz and Screenlets, plus running Firefox (with a ton of extensions) and Rythmbox, I am using 544MB out of 2GB with 0 swap space being used.

Anti-Trend · 26-07-2008, 08:40 PM

Yup, "free RAM is wasted RAM" as I always say. But there's a big difference between RAM that's being used for applications, and RAM used for buffers and cache. Buffers and cache are expendable, and the OS will sacrifice them if you need more RAM for apps. For instance, see the attached screenshot. I have 8GB of RAM on my workstation, and all of its used, but only a little is used for actual programs. The rest is just helping to smooth out HDD and network access for me.

Try a program that breaks up the different types of memory usage, like htop. You'll get a better picture of what's really going on.

sabashuali · 26-07-2008, 09:05 PM

Thanks guys...

I just thought perhaps I was hit by one of these bugs that eat up all you resources.... or maybe I have? I got the Linux bug.... hehe.
My jokes are getting worst at the hours are wearing.....

OK, I'll shut up....

Did I say thanks? Thanks!

Off Topic:

AT - Man, you have a shit load of icons on your top bar..... have you noticed?

Anti-Trend · 26-07-2008, 09:13 PM

Off Topic:

Quote:

Originally Posted by sabashuali

Off Topic:

AT - Man, you have a shit load of icons on your top bar..... have you noticed?

Yeah, it's intentional. I keep the top bar available for often-used applications so I don't have to dig on a menu for them. Windows never cover the top bar unless I fullscreen them, so they're always available to me.

26-07-2008, 09:55 AM	#1 (permalink) Top
sabashuali Ani Ma'amin Join Date: May 2005 Age: 41 Male Posts: 1,452 Times Helpful: 71 My Mood: Grumpy Status: Offline My Computer	Is my system using too many resources? I am using Debian with KDE and I was looking at my System Guard and it shows that although my CPU load is quite low and so is my Swap use (negligible at 4kb) my RAM use is nearly total at app. 510MB (out of 512). This cannot be right can it? Am I reading this all wrong? The process table shows very little percentages, normally between 2% - 0%. What is eating all my RAM? __________________ This is not a PC friendly user!!! "...when you find someone you really love, all the rest is just... other stuff." - *Leanne Anika Battersby* Help with digital video? Help My Mini City to grow Hit or Miss

26-07-2008, 07:35 PM	#2 (permalink) Top
megamaced Geek Geek Geek! Join Date: Nov 2005 Age: 24 Male Posts: 3,467 Times Helpful: 352 My Mood: Fine Status: Offline My Computer	I think Linux uses as much physical RAM as needed to run faster, then delegates it to other applications that you start. If your PC was using a lot of swap space then I would be worried about memory usage. On my system, Ubuntu 8.04, with Compiz and Screenlets, plus running Firefox (with a ton of extensions) and Rythmbox, I am using 544MB out of 2GB with 0 swap space being used. __________________ "A computer is like air conditioning: it becomes useless when you open windows". ~Linus Torvalds

26-07-2008, 08:40 PM	#3 (permalink) Top
Anti-Trend Nonconformist Geek Join Date: Oct 2003 Age: 27 Male Posts: 4,880 Times Helpful: 536 Status: Offline My Computer	Yup, "free RAM is wasted RAM" as I always say. But there's a big difference between RAM that's being used for applications, and RAM used for buffers and cache. Buffers and cache are expendable, and the OS will sacrifice them if you need more RAM for apps. For instance, see the attached screenshot. I have 8GB of RAM on my workstation, and all of its used, but only a little is used for actual programs. The rest is just helping to smooth out HDD and network access for me. Try a program that breaks up the different types of memory usage, like htop. You'll get a better picture of what's really going on. Attached Thumbnails __________________ See My Desktop \| Try Linux \| Install Linux \| Visit My Server \| Support Hardware Forums \| Easily rip DVDs in Linux \| Remember Everything

26-07-2008, 09:05 PM	#4 (permalink) Top
sabashuali Ani Ma'amin Join Date: May 2005 Age: 41 Male Posts: 1,452 Times Helpful: 71 My Mood: Grumpy Status: Offline My Computer	Thanks guys... I just thought perhaps I was hit by one of these bugs that eat up all you resources.... or maybe I have? I got the Linux bug.... hehe. My jokes are getting worst at the hours are wearing..... OK, I'll shut up.... Did I say thanks? Thanks! Off Topic: AT - Man, you have a shit load of icons on your top bar..... have you noticed? __________________ This is not a PC friendly user!!! "...when you find someone you really love, all the rest is just... other stuff." - *Leanne Anika Battersby* Help with digital video? Help My Mini City to grow Hit or Miss

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