How does Windows (NT, 98, 2k) use the swap file versus RAM?

[web1723]

Does Windows use up the RAM before it hits the swap file?

Is there an amount of RAM that can be added so that a swap file is not even needed? (Assume I run IE5, 2-3 Office Apps (excel, word, access), outlook.)

Thanks.

 

[Psychoholic]

NT and especially W2K is more efficent in the way it handles RAM over Win9x and ME.

You will always have a swap file. However adding RAM gives Windows more of a "cushion" before it needs to use it. To find out how much you should add moniotr your swap file usage and see how much it needs in addition to your physical RAM to handle your daily tasks. This procedure varies from Win9x to NT but is much easier to do in NT because all you need to do is invoke the task manager. In Win9x you need to use the system monitor.