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How To Add Swap Space on Ubuntu 22.04

How To Add Swap Space on Ubuntu 22.04
JC Brian Refugia
Technical writer
Ubuntu
23.12.2024
Reading time: 8 min

Managing resources efficiently is vital for maintaining the performance and stability of the OS. In this article, the methods of adding swap space to Ubuntu 22.04 is outlined to help users boost their platform's capacity to carry on memory-intensive activities.

Swap space acts as a virtual extension of physical memory (RAM), allowing the system to offload inactive processes when it is fully utilised. While Ubuntu 22.04 is highly efficient in memory management, adding or increasing paging area can be a practical solution for environments with small data storage unit or when running resource-heavy applications. This article provides a step-by step approach in creation, configuration, and optimisation of swap space, ensuring a smooth and efficient setup tailored to everyone's needs.

Prerequisites

Before adding swap space on Ubuntu 22.04, make sure the following prerequisites are satisfied to avoid potential issues:

  • Administrative Privileges: User must have root or sudo access to the platform to execute commands for creating and configuring swap space.

  • Existing Disk Volume: Confirm that the instance has sufficient free disk storage to allocate for the desired swap size. Deploy the following instruction to check disk space:

df -h

Image27

  • Current Status: Determine whether a swap space already exists and come up with the decision to expand it. Utilise the instruction below to verify:

sudo swapon --show
  • Suitable Performance Needs Assessment: Determine the required capacity of the swap space according to the current storage resource and workload. A common rule is to have at least same amount as the RAM size, but this may vary depending on your use case.

What is Swap

A crucial part of Linux memory management, swap space is intended to improve system performance and stability by increasing the system's accessible capacity beyond the physical random-access memory (RAM). The OS frees up memory for running processes by offloading idle or seldom used data to the paging space area when the RAM is completely utilised. This procedure enables the system to manage resource-intensive tasks more effectively and keeps apps from crashing because of memory shortages. Depending on the demands of the user, swap can be implemented in Ubuntu as a file or as a separate disc. This can be useful, but it cannot take the place of enough RAM. Because disc storage has slower read and write rates than physical memory, an over-reliance on this might result in performance loss. Optimising system performance requires an understanding of swap's operation and proper configuration, especially for tasks like managing apps on platforms with limited RAM, operating virtual machines, or compiling huge codebases.

Swap Advantages

Swap space is an important part of Linux environment memory management because it provides a number of benefits. The following advantages are offered by swap:

  • Prevents System Crashes
  • Supports Memory-Intensive Applications
  • Enhances Multitasking

Smoother multitasking without sacrificing speed for platforms managing numerous processes at once by balancing memory use by offloading less important operations.

  • Provides Flexibility

Swap space allows for the dynamic addition or resizing of paging space, which facilitates system requirements adaptation without requiring disc repartitioning.

  • Extends Uptime Period

It is a short-term fix to increase stability and prolong its uptime under high loads in situations where replacing physical memory is not immediately practical.

  • Facilitates Hibernation

Swap is crucial for systems set up to utilise the hibernate feature since it keeps the contents of the RAM in place when the system is turned off, enabling a smooth restart.

  • Supports Low-Memory Systems

For lightweight systems, this is beneficial because it guarantees that critical operations continue to run even when memory is limited on devices with little physical memory.

Swap is essential for increasing overall system resilience and flexibility, especially in resource-constrained contexts, even while it cannot replace physical RAM and shouldn't be over-relied upon.

Swap Disadvantages

Although swap space has several benefits for memory management, there are a few significant drawbacks that should be taken into account when setting it up.

  • Slower Performance Compared to RAM
  • Increased Disk Wear
  • Latency in Resource-Intensive Tasks

When the system relies heavily on swap, tasks that require high memory bandwidth, such as video editing or large-scale data analysis, may experience significant delays due to slower data transfer rates.

  • Limited Effectiveness in Low-RAM Scenarios

While swap can extend memory, it is not a substitute for adequate RAM. On systems with extremely low physical memory, relying on swap may not be enough to handle modern applications efficiently.

  • Hibernation Dependency

If the swap space is insufficient, hibernation may fail as it requires swap to store the contents of the RAM. Misconfigured swap sizes can lead to system errors during hibernation attempts.

  • Additional Storage Allocation

Allocating swap space reduces the available storage for other purposes. For systems with limited disk capacity, dedicating a portion to swap may not be feasible.

  • Complexity in Configuration

Optimising swappiness and settings require careful planning and monitoring. Poor configuration may lead to either underutilisation or excessive reliance, both of which impact system performance.

How to Add Swap Space by Creating a Swap File

Making a swap file in Ubuntu 22.04 to increase swap space is a simple procedure that can assist boost system performance, particularly on systems with low RAM.

Here is a thorough, step-by-step guide to assist you with the process:

  1. Make sure swap space is enabled before making a new file. Run the instruction below.

sudo swapon --show
  1. Based on the RAM capacity and usage needs, choose the swap file's size. A typical rule of thumb is:

    • For systems with less than 2 GB of RAM, swap size is equal to RAM size × 2.
    • For systems with more than 2 GB of RAM, swap size equals RAM size.
  1. Choose the location of the file, which is often the root directory. Adjust to the user's preferred swap size. To do it, use the fallocate command.

sudo fallocate -l 4G /swapfile
  1. If fallocate is unavailable or gives an error, employ the dd command.

sudo dd if=/dev/zero of=/swapfile bs=1M count=4096

Image3

    • bs=1M: Sets the block size to 1 Megabyte.

    • count=4096: Creates a 4GB file (4096 × 1MB).

  1. Verify that the permissions are configured appropriately to prevent unauthorised access. Execute the following command.

sudo chmod 600 /swapfile
  1. It is necessary to format the file as swap space. After that, swap can be activated. Execute the command listed below.      

sudo mkswap /swapfile

Image15

sudo swapon /swapfile
  1. To verify if it has been added, use the instructions listed below, appropriately.

sudo swapon --show

Image20

free -h

Image1

  1. Add the swap file to the /etc/fstab file to guarantee it stays active following a reboot. Perform the following steps.

    • Backup the fstab file before editing.
sudo cp /etc/fstab /etc/fstab.bak
    • Add the swap record in fstab.

echo '/swapfile none swap sw 0 0' | sudo tee -a /etc/fstab
    • Validate using command below.

cat /etc/fstab

Image5

Configuring Swappiness (Optional)

Swappiness controls the kernel's use of swap space. 60 is the default value. Usage rises with higher values and falls with lower values.

  • Verify current swappiness value by running command below.

cat /proc/sys/vm/swappiness

Image13

  • Use the sysctl utility to temporarily modify the swappiness. The value is lowered to 40 from 60 by the subsequent command.

sudo sysctl vm.swappiness=40

Image21

  • To make the changes permanent, run these commands respectively.

echo 'vm.swappiness=40' | sudo tee -a /etc/sysctl.conf

Image22

sudo sysctl -p

Image2

Modify Cache Pressure (Optional)

Cache pressure regulates the kernel's propensity to recover caching memory, which can be lessened with lower values.

  • If for example, a user wants to set VFS Cache Pressure to 40, this can be set using the commands below respectively.

echo 'vm.vfs_cache_pressure=40' | sudo tee -a /etc/sysctl.conf
sudo sysctl -p
  • Verify that the swap file is operational and set up properly. Use the commands below to check it.

sudo swapon --show
free -h

Increasing Swap Space with Swap File

To resize the system's swap file, use the following actions.

  • Temporarily disable the swap file.

sudo swapoff /swapfile
  • Change the size of the swap file to the preferred size. Replace 8G with your desired new size.

    • Using the fallocate command

sudo fallocate -l 8G /swapfile
  • Using the dd command

sudo dd if=/dev/zero of=/swapfile bs=1M count=8192
  • To adjust for the new size, reinitialise the swap file.

sudo mkswap /swapfile
  • Activate the swap file that has been resized.

sudo swapon /swapfile
  • Validate that the swap space has been updated from 4GB to 8GB.

sudo swapon --show
free -h

Conclusion

To sum up, creating a swap file in Ubuntu is a simple procedure that can greatly improve system speed, especially when working with memory-demanding apps or when physical RAM is at limited availability. Without the need for intricate partitioning, users can rapidly increase the virtual memory of their system by following the instructions to create, format, and activate a swap file. The swap space will also be active across reboots if the swap file is made permanent via the /etc/fstab file. The memory management can be further optimised by modifying variables like swappiness. All things considered, making a swap file is a practical and adaptable way to enhance Ubuntu system efficiency and stability.

You can install Ubuntu on a VPS on Hostman.

Ubuntu
23.12.2024
Reading time: 8 min

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How to Install VNC on Ubuntu

If you need to interact with a remote server through a graphical interface, you can use VNC technology.VNC (Virtual Network Computing) allows users to establish a remote connection to a server over a network. It operates on a client-server architecture and uses the RFB protocol to transmit screen images and input data from various devices (such as keyboards or mice). VNC supports multiple operating systems, including Ubuntu, Windows, macOS, and others. Another advantage of VNC is that it allows multiple users to connect simultaneously, which can be useful for collaborative work on projects or training sessions. In this guide, we will describe how to install VNC on Ubuntu, using a Hostman cloud server with Ubuntu 22.04 as an example. Step 1: Preparing to Install VNC Before starting the installation process on both the server and the local machine, there are a few prerequisites to review.  Here is a list of what you’ll need to complete the installation: A Server Running Ubuntu 22.04. In this guide, we will use a cloud server from Hostman with minimal hardware configuration. A User with sudo Privileges. You should perform the installation as a regular user with administrative privileges. Select a Graphical Interface. You’ll need to choose a desktop environment that you will use to interact with the remote server after installing the system on both the server and the local machine. A Computer with a VNC Client Installed.  Currently, the only way to communicate with a rented server running Ubuntu 22.04 is through the console. To enable remote management via a graphical interface, you’ll need to install a desktop environment along with VNC on the server. Below are lists of available VNC servers and desktop environments that can be installed on an Ubuntu server. VNC Servers: TightVNC Server. One of the most popular VNC servers for Ubuntu. It is easy to set up and offers good performance. RealVNC Server. RealVNC provides a commercial solution for remote access to servers across various Linux distributions, including Ubuntu, Debian, Fedora, Arch Linux, and others. Desktop Environments: Xfce. A lightweight and fast desktop environment, ideal for remote sessions over VNC. It uses fewer resources than heavier desktop environments, making it an excellent choice for servers and virtual machines. GNOME. The default Ubuntu desktop environment, offering a modern and user-friendly interface. It can be used with VNC but will consume more resources than Xfce. KDE Plasma. Another popular desktop environment that provides a wide range of features and a beautiful design. The choice of VNC server and desktop environment depends on the user’s specific needs and available resources. TightVNC and Xfce are excellent options for stable remote sessions on Ubuntu, as they do not require high resources. In the next step, we will describe how to install them on the server in detail. Step 2: Installing the Desktop Environment and VNC Server To install the VNC server on Ubuntu along with the desktop environment, connect to the server and log in as a regular user with administrative rights. Update the Package List  After logging into the server, run the following command to update the packages from the connected repositories: sudo apt update Install the Desktop Environment  Next, install the previously selected desktop environment. To install Xfce, enter: sudo apt install xfce4 xfce4-goodies Here, the first package provides the basic Xfce desktop environment, while the second includes additional applications and plugins for Xfce, which are optional. Install the TightVNC Server  To install TightVNC, enter: sudo apt install tightvncserver Start the VNC Server  Once the installation is complete, initialize the VNC server by typing: vncserver This command creates a new VNC session with a specific session number, such as :1 for the first session, :2 for the second, and so on. This session number corresponds to a display port (for example, port 5901 corresponds to :1). This allows multiple VNC sessions to run on the same machine, each using a different display port. During the first-time setup, this command will prompt you to set a password, which will be required for users to connect to the server’s graphical interface. Set the View-Only Password (Optional)  After setting the main password, you’ll be prompted to set a password for view-only mode. View-only mode allows users to view the remote desktop without making any changes, which is helpful for demonstrations or when limited access is needed. If you need to change the passwords set above, use the following command: vncpasswd Now you have a VNC session. In the next step, we will set up VNC to launch the Ubuntu server with the installed desktop environment. Step 3: Configuring the VNC Server The VNC server needs to know which desktop environment it should connect to. To set this up, we’ll need to edit a specific configuration file. Stop Active VNC Instances  Before making any configurations, stop any active VNC server instances. In this guide, we’ll stop the instance running on display port 5901. To do this, enter: vncserver -kill :1 Here, :1 is the session number associated with display port 5901, which we want to stop. Create a Backup of the Configuration File  Before editing, it’s a good idea to back up the original configuration file. Run: mv ~/.vnc/xstartup ~/.vnc/xstartup.bak Edit the Configuration File  Now, open the configuration file in a text editor: nano ~/.vnc/xstartup Replace the contents with the following: #!/bin/bashxrdb $HOME/.Xresourcesstartxfce4 & #!/bin/bash – This line is called a "shebang," and it specifies that the script should be executed using the Bash shell. xrdb $HOME/.Xresources – This line reads settings from the .Xresources file, where desktop preferences like colors, fonts, cursors, and keyboard options are stored. startxfce4 & – This line starts the Xfce desktop environment on the server. Make the Configuration File Executable To allow the configuration file to be executed, use: chmod +x ~/.vnc/xstartup Start the VNC Server with Localhost Restriction Now that the configuration is updated, start the VNC server with the following command: vncserver -localhost The -localhost option restricts connections to the VNC server to the local host (the server itself), preventing remote connections from other machines. You will still be able to connect from your computer, as we’ll set up an SSH tunnel between it and the server. These connections will also be treated as local by the VNC server. The VNC server configuration is now complete. Step 4: Installing the VNC Client and Connecting to the Server Now, let’s proceed with installing a VNC client. In this example, we’ll install the client on a Windows 11 computer. Several VNC clients support different operating systems. Here are a few options:  RealVNC Viewer. The official client from RealVNC, compatible with Windows, macOS, and Linux. TightVNC Viewer. A free and straightforward VNC client that supports Windows and Linux. UltraVNC. Another free VNC client for Windows with advanced remote management features. For this guide, we’ll use the free TightVNC Viewer. Download and Install TightVNC Viewer Visit the official TightVNC website, download the installer, and run it. In the installation window, click Next and accept the license agreement. Then, select the custom installation mode and disable the VNC server installation, as shown in the image below. Click Next twice and complete the installation of the VNC client on your local machine. Set Up an SSH Tunnel for Secure Connection To encrypt your remote access to the VNC server, use SSH to create a secure tunnel. On your Windows 11 computer, open PowerShell and enter the following command: ssh -L 56789:localhost:5901 -C -N -l username server_IP_address Make sure that OpenSSH is installed on your local machine; if not, refer to Microsoft’s documentation to install it. This command configures an SSH tunnel that forwards the connection from your local computer to the remote server over a secure connection, making VNC believe the connection originates from the server itself. Here’s a breakdown of the flags used: -L sets up SSH port forwarding, redirecting the local computer’s port to the specified host and server port. Here, we choose port 56789 because it is not bound to any service. -C enables compression of data before transmitting over SSH. -N tells SSH not to execute any commands after establishing the connection. -l specifies the username for connecting to the server. Connect with TightVNC Viewer After creating the SSH tunnel, open the TightVNC Viewer and enter the following in the connection field: localhost:56789 You’ll be prompted to enter the password created during the initial setup of the VNC server. Once you enter the password, you’ll be connected to the VNC server, and the Xfce desktop environment should appear. Stop the SSH Tunnel To close the SSH tunnel, return to the PowerShell or command line on your local computer and press CTRL+C. Conclusion This guide has walked you through the step-by-step process of setting up VNC on Ubuntu 22.04. We used TightVNC Server as the VNC server, TightVNC Viewer as the client, and Xfce as the desktop environment for user interaction with the server. We hope that using VNC technology helps streamline your server administration, making the process easier and more efficient. We're prepared more detailed instruction on how to create server on Ubuntu if you have some trouble deploying it.
30 May 2025 · 8 min to read

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