SweepRAM is a memory optimization program that forces all memory-resident applications to use only as much memory as they need, freeing memory in the process.
Let me start by saying that I do not like memory optimizers; I’ve used a number of them over the years (both freeware and shareware) and concluded that the psychological effect taking place in the user’s head is probably bigger than any actual performance benefit taking place inside the computer.
Having said this, let me say that I really like SweepRAM. It is different from most memory optimization programs out there in some important respects, as follows:
- SweepRAM is based on the principle that programs occupying RAM is a GOOD thing (what use is unused RAM anyway?) Unlike other memory optimizers, which attempt to lay claim to as much memory as possible before releasing it (therefore squeezing applications of the memory resources they might need), SweepRAM allows applications to take up as much memory as they need but not more, and frees up many extra memory they might have been using.
- SweepRAM is not a memory resident app, but can be run on demand whenever needed. It does not need to be installed.
When to use SweepRAM? Whenever you feel like your computer is not performing up to standard. The author actually does not recommend running it too often and/or all the time; here are some suggested usage scenarios from his website:
- Upon booting first thing after all the memory resident applications (antivirus, anti-malware, clipboard managers, firewalls, etc.) have loaded.
- Before starting to work on your computer, and, if you’re done working on something and about to start working on something else.
The memory optimization process using SweepRAM is lightning fast; as for the performance improvement… well… I think it is very noticeable, but alas I am being purely subjective. Test it out for yourself and let me know. Note, however, that there are some who do not believe memory optimizers are beneficial and in fact think they are the opposite (see this article).
Compatibility: Windows XP.
The program page no longer exists, but you can download ver. 1.0 of the program here.
