So, swap is when the computer writes used memory to slow, long term storage because of memory pressure.
Cache is when the OS sticks random bits of files into unused memory to they can be used faster.
Using swap is a sign you need more ram. Using cache is harmless, and the OS will try to fill all free memory with cached files, because worst case scenario there’s no cost.
Using swap isn’t always a sign you need more RAM. Typically, if you use a computer for a while or have a lot of IO operations going on, Linux will decide to swap some things to make more room for cache.
Sometimes Linux just finds that you have a bunch of inactive app memory and it can swap that out to cache way more stuff. That’s just good memory management, but it’s not worth buying more RAM over
So, swap is when the computer writes used memory to slow, long term storage because of memory pressure.
Cache is when the OS sticks random bits of files into unused memory to they can be used faster.
Using swap is a sign you need more ram. Using cache is harmless, and the OS will try to fill all free memory with cached files, because worst case scenario there’s no cost.
Using swap isn’t always a sign you need more RAM. Typically, if you use a computer for a while or have a lot of IO operations going on, Linux will decide to swap some things to make more room for cache.
Sometimes Linux just finds that you have a bunch of inactive app memory and it can swap that out to cache way more stuff. That’s just good memory management, but it’s not worth buying more RAM over