HD Install :: Swap Partition Question

First ever HD installation is coming up and I was wondering whether I should size the swap partition at the size of the RAM (128MB RAM=128MB swap partition, 64MB RAM=64MB swap partition, etc.) that's already on the PC or if there would be any problems if I sized it as the maximum RAM the machine will take to allow room for growth.

I'm asking because it will be an old machine and the RAM could be hard to find.

Like an idiot, I completely forgot about the swap partition on my Mandrake machine and promptly doubled the RAM after installing the OS but I haven't had any problems; that could be beginner's luck and I'd rather be more cautious when working on somebody else's box.

TYA and thank you for your patience with my illustrious and asinine self.

I think twice the physical ram figure is the rule of thumb and I don't think a further multiples helps any more ie. 128 RAM = 256mb swap partition. I've been using 40mb ram with 100mb swap partition for a long time now with DSL with only Open Office and a couple of other hungry apps. defeating me.

I also think that 2x RAM is a good rule of thumb, with a couple expections on each end of the extremes for RAM installed.

1) If your RAM is really limited, I would go higher for example 32MB is too small of a swap for a 16MB RAM system. 64MB (RAM + Swap) total is a good minimum level for a system with tight disk space and RAM.

2) If you have a lot of RAM (512MB or higher), it makes no sense to create a swap file of 1GB or larger. I pretty much MAX out my swap size at no more than 512MB.

But that's just my opinion.

Yep, same suggestion. Twice the ram for swap.

Anyone know if i can get DSL to run with no swap? the computer ima try this on only has a 60mb hdd lol! but 256MB of RAM so i figure if it will never need the swap.

Its just a comp that i have pieced together with junk lying around and apparently i have way more RAM than HDD.

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