Hi Steve, > In general, the Linux kernel tries to cache as much data in memory as > possible in order to improve performance. Therefore, it is quite > normal to see decreasing free memory over time. As long as the kernel > is able to free memory cache when needed, there are no issues.
I saw many times free memory reducing in many arm systems. Normally, for example when 3MB remain and I tried a malloc of 4MB (writing also data in it .. because I don't trust 'disabling over commit') the kernel frees tha pages needed and goes on. If the ram is really finishing, the kernel kills, launching a function called oom_killer (http://linux-mm.org/OOM_Killer), at least one process, and then goes on. I have create a small and easy memory mapper tool using a list of pointer. When you press '+' on the cmdline 1MB are malloc'ed and filled of data. The opposite when you press '-'. So you are sure that the memory can be used. I'm still searching instead a way to know how much memory can be used without using it. I'd like to work on a system with not enough ram to make every process working simultaneously. Hoping it helps, Raffaele _______________________________________________ Davinci-linux-open-source mailing list Davinci-linux-open-source@linux.davincidsp.com http://linux.davincidsp.com/mailman/listinfo/davinci-linux-open-source
