Linux And Windows RAM Question

tylerjroach · 12-29-2005, 06:07 PM

I was just wondering, if I have 512mb of RAM, does Linux use 256mb and Windows use 256mb, or do they both use 512mb. I know it's a stupid question.

msl · 12-29-2005, 06:14 PM

Assuming you aren't using VMware or similar, only one is running at a time, so each uses the full 512MB.

--Matt Linzer

tylerjroach · 12-29-2005, 08:00 PM

Thanks, I was just making sure

sundialsvcs · 12-30-2005, 09:42 AM

RAM .. as in, the chips on the motherboard .. is used only for transient purposes by whatever operating-system is running right now. When you turn the machine off, RAM goes blank.

Hard disk space, on the other hand, is permanent storage. If you can boot two operating-systems, then certain disk space ("partitions") will be dedicated to one or to the other. (Slightly simplified...)