I am using a memory management app but my questions aren't actually about that specific app. Instead, my questions deal with just one of that app's settings. That app will automatically alert user when RAM usage reaches a percentage level prescribed by the user. Example: User can set the app to turn its system tray icon Yellow when usage of RAM reaches (say) 70%, and to color that icon RED when RAM usage reaches (say) 90%. In these forums, I have read (on several occasions) that RAM is there to be used. I agree. However, sustained, REALLY high RAM usage might signal: (a) a need for more RAM, OR (b) a malware is present, OR (c) a NON-malware app is having problems and needs to be re-installed or dumped, OR (d) there is a hardware issue, OR.....etc etc etc. I would greatly appreciate any and all answers and comments about the following 3 questions: Q-1: Is using a memory management app (a) a good idea? OR (b) a waste of time? Q-2: How would user know how much RAM is enough for his computer and usage? How would user know when buying more RAM would be a silly waste of money? Q-3: If user decides to use a memory management app, and is certain that his computer has the right amount of RAM, what percent RAM usage should trigger a Yellow alert? What percent Ram usage should trigger a Red alert?
If Task Manager is showing that RAM usage is greater than 74%, your system is running low on RAM. If your RAM usage regularly exceeds 74% then it's a good idea to upgrade your RAM. If it doesn't, there's no need to. For most users these, 8GB will be plenty and I wouldn't recommend having less than that. For those that regularly have tens of browser tabs open at once, or play resource intensive games or use other memory heavy apps, they'll most likely need more. What is the memory management app you are using?
Mem Reduct (MR). When I was using G-Data & had several browser tabs open & busy, MR had to clean memory a few times. Now that I'm using K7 Total Security, MR's clean memory function is totally idle. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Q-4 for all: If virtual memory (aka swap file) usage gets high (say 60% or so) doesn't that indicate a possible need for more RAM? {Unless, of course, your computer has an SSD.} ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ P.S. I just had a random thought so I'm going OT for 1 more question.. OffTopic Q: If OS moves encrypted sensitive data to swap file, will it remain encrypted in the swap file?
If you sometimes are low on RAM, or usage is regularly near 74% it won't hurt to use Mem Reduct. I never look at virtual memory usage, only RAM usage.
@roger_m -- I'm sorry. I was editing my #3 & didn't realize your #4 was posted. Only difference by my edit is the off-topic question.
An IT friend (& frequent worthy chess opponent) read my #3 post & gave me a call. He said that some users, whose computers have SSDs, choose to get plenty of RAM and disable the swap file -- so as to reduce read/writes to the SSD.
There is no need to reduce the amount of reads or writes to SSDs. For example the 250GB Samsung EVO 750 has a rated life of 150 terabytes of writes and for the higher capacity variants, this is even higher. The 240GB WD Green SN350 is rated for 80 terabytes of writes. Neither of these are expensive models. These figures are only manufacturer estimates, rather than exact figures. But there have been various tests of SSDs done where SSDs often outlast their estimated lifetime.
@roger_m -- Good to learn! Thanks for the great guidance. Do you have info re the decryption of encrypted data placed in swap file. T or FUD?
It's not something know anything about. In theory it is possible, but a quick Google search found the following old thread that says it would be difficult. https://www.forensicfocus.com/forums/general/recover-data-from-pagefile-sys/
VERY interesting link. Evidently, accessing the swap file from someone's stolen or confiscated computer is not a job for amateurs. Ergo, I suppose the only concern is skilled hackers. As I understand it, they can get to HD & SSD data unless it has been forensically wiped. IMO, the key question remains -- would encrypted data be found unencrypted in the swap files? Hmmmm.....
Apparently on Win 10 memory manages itself. I often run out of memory because Win 10 and Vivaldi are resource hogs and then this memory compression tool eventually comes into action to prevent the PC from crashing. https://www.makeuseof.com/windows-memory-compression-guide/
"waste of time" Win10 has memory compression when low on memory, but this means more cpu consumption. at least there only helps out more physical memory. not possible? get a newer machine! congrats, you are vulnerable https://www.wincert.net/cast/cybercriminals-hijacked-well-known-av-software/
@Brummelchen -- many thanks for the heads-up. On my K7 version, K7SysMn1.dll checks out** clean. My K7 does not have K7SysM1.dll. I have verified that my K7 is a valid K7 & not a fake version. The article you linked reads in part as follows (bolding done by me): When purchased directly from the developer's website, K7 is one of the least costly antivirus apps. Yet some folks will try to find cheaper versions or even cracks. By their very nature, antivirus apps have fairly broad access to a computer's system. IMO, folks who buy from unknown resellers or who use cracks are being very VERY foolish, especially when obtaining an antivirus app. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ **Checked by Norton Power Eraser, Kaspersky Virus Removal Tool, & Virus Total.
