Helpful Linux Tidbits

Linux does a good job when it comes to memory allocation. If memory isn’t being used or hasn’t been used for awhile it gets put into a cache where it can readily pulled. At times though this cache can become pretty big (especially for a program that has a memory leak). If a good number of programs are being used or if memory is limited then Linux will begin using hard disk swap which can really bog down performance. In these instances, it may help to purge the memory.

Note: This tip is entirely safe but sed authour in not accountable if computer sees Pigs on a Wing.

In the terminal type free -m to see memory usage. Now flush the filesystem buffers and drop extra caches.

sudo sync
sudo echo 3 | sudo tee /proc/sys/vm/drop_caches

Look once more and memory usage should be improved. Freeing memory is most effective by shutting down whatever programs can be. To be really effective shutdown X server first.

Original Tip: Howto: Clear filesystem memory cache