Making Linux run faster

[jrcow97]

I just recently installed Red Hat Linux 7.1, but it runs much slower than my Windows 98. I want to use my linux, but I don't understand why it's so slow.

I have 80 megabytes of ram and that should be plenty, and I added a bunch of swap space because I thought that would help but it doesn't. Did I do something wrong with my installation?
Is there a way to make less programs run and free up more memory?

Help!

[ 11 August 2001: Message edited by: jrcow97 ]

[bdg1983]

Of course you realize everyone is going to ask you to provide a few more details than that.

My car doesn't start, so what's wrong with it? ;)

I see you've edited your post and added a few more details.

80mb shouldn't be that bad though you could use a bit more. Is this a low end Pentium?

Most distros default to starting quite a few services you many not really need. Redhat should have a gui configuration tool where you can select what not to start.

[ 12 August 2001: Message edited by: mdwatts the 3rd ]

[jrcow97]

thanks for your reply, and I'll try to look for it.

[Dengar]

I know I dont know much about Linux but I do know that X can be a big resource hog. Are you running KDE or Gnome?

[jrcow97]

Originally posted by Dengar:
<STRONG>I know I dont know much about Linux but I do know that X can be a big resource hog. Are you running KDE or Gnome?</STRONG>

yes, I just started using linux and the GUI definiately does help me. If I don't use those, is there anything use that runs in the background that I don't really need?

[Dengar]

Theres a command you can run that tells you exactly what is running, I think its TOP. Not sure tho.

[TacKat]

There are alternative window managers (Blackbox (http://blackbox.alug.org) and WindowMaker (http://www.windowmaker.org)) that run using far fewer resources than KDE or GNOME. Of course they may not be as filled with bells and whistles, but I very much enjoy their plain functionality.

[evulish]

Yeah...lightweight window makers are nice:
Blackbox, ICEwm, enlightenment, afterstep, WM...

[Keyser Soze]

Just to end this thread I'll bite...
first run top to find out what all is running, that will work. An easier all in one approach(not cli 'cause I think you might have a problem configuring the rp's. Here goes, su to root...type tksysv & in the window, in section 3 and 5 delete anything that you do not need to start up(with the exception of the xfserver which allows you to run your gui(made that mistake once, not paying attention). restart your computer(you could just have everything refresh...network and all, but that is too big for this topic)and you should be golden. If you post what all is running and your window manager you are using, we can narrow it down a bit more and help you cut the offending services.

[bdg1983]

Morning Keyser. You're up early or just getting home. ;)

jrcow97... Mr. Soze' suggestion sounds good to me though he's wrong most of the time. ;) ;)

[Keyser Soze]

going home.....you sweet talker you. ;)

[jrcow97]

Thanks guys for your suggestions...
I'm gonna find out which programs are running in the background and post them up as soon as I can.

[jbstew32]

type ntsysv (i believe thats it its been a while) and turn off more everything...except for the stuff you need of course :)

also you should go in and manually edit your /etc/inetd.conf and comment out any unneeded things (ie telnet, finger, etc...)

also www.linux.com (http://www.linux.com) has a tune up section...you may or may not find some useful stuff there

[Keyser Soze]

The reason I told him to use tksysv was that it is gui and contains all rc levels, whereas ntsysv must be defined with a runlevel or it will choose the default. You can do more faster and easier with the tk'd version.
And part of the reason it is slower is that you wouldn't use 80mb of ram with win2000, yet RH7.1 is up there with 2000 in requirements and performance. I think 96-128 would be better, or use a smaller window manager to get 98 or better performance. ;)

[ 13 August 2001: Message edited by: Keyser Soze ]