Database Develop

Where is all the memory?

Hello all,
I have the Rogers Wireless HTC Touch Diamond, which is advertised with 192 MB RAM, 256 MB ROM and 4 GB internal storage.
When viewing the memory page via Settings-->System (or the drop down menu on the Today screen), it shows total storage memory to be 91.8 MB and total program memory to be 115.0 MB. This doesn't add up to either of the amounts of advertised memory.
I was curious if anyone knows which portion of the memory this information represents - i.e. the RAM or ROM - and where you can find the usage information of the other. I understand the basic concept of RAM vs. ROM, but neither of these figures add up to the advertised 192 MB RAM or 256 MB ROM.
Any help would be greatly appreciated!
Regards,

Rom
All your data is stored in flash and the flash is not erased if your battery runs flat.
This is called persistent storage.
Flash space in the Pocket PC is split between storage and ROM.
The amount of data or programs you install is limited by the amount of free storage (flash) on your device.
Storage in flash is not compressed.
Due to this design, programs that are installed / stored in flash are copied to RAM to be executed - they occupy twice the space.
The directory of data stored in the boot ROM is merged with the storage flash so the user sees the file system as one.
If a file in the boot ROM is replaced by a file in storage flash the storage flash file is used.
RAM
RAM is dedicated to running programs.
If you attempt to run multiple programs that are "hogs", they may not run or the operating system may close some of them.
The memory management for programs flushes pages of programs that are no longer needed, thus optimizing the use of RAM in the system for other programs to execute.
RAM Cache for Flash Storage
A portion of the RAM is used as a write cache to increase the performance of the mobile device when writing to the flash.
This RAM cache is fixed in size by the OEM and the RAM is not usable for any other purpose.
So before performing a soft reset or removing the battery you must turn the unit off and wait 5-10 seconds. If you fail to do this you may corrupt your internal flash storage.
Condensed by mikechannon from Windows Mobile 5.0 Memory Management Op cit: Chris De Herrera
Mike

Thanks for the reply, Mike; that's some really good info. However, I still don't understand why my memory page is only accounting for 92 MB (storage) + 115 MB (program) when there's supposed to be 192 MB + 256 MB (as listed in the Diamond specs). Where's the balance? I've attached an image for clarification.
Any insight into this would be much appreciated.
Regards,

Out of the 192MB ram (program), 64MB is dedicated GPU (video) memory. So in fact usable ram is around 128mb.
Out of the 256MB Rom, usually about 80-100mb can be attributed to the ROM image (firmware) of the phone and especially since you're is branded (rogers), there are pre-installed goodies (ya right) that are taking up your space as well.
For your reference my phone shows the following:
Storage
Total: 105.17mb
In Use: 82.54mb
Free: 22.63mb
Program:
Total 107.02mb
In use: 76.67MB
Free: 30.35MB
Keep in mind that i'm on a custom ROM so the numbers will be a little off right off the bat.

Perfect! That's the info I was after. I had a feeling the 'missing' memory was attributed to something like this, but now it's all cleared up.
Thanks again.

App2SD and residual files

Hi there!
I just installed Apps2SD and it works great! However, I just have a few questions due to my neurotic manner.
1.) Before I installed Apps2SD, I had installed some apps to my internal phone storage. If I uninstall them, do all residual files associated with those apps get removed?
2.) Does having more internal phone storage make my phone run "faster"?
3.) Is there a limit on how big I can make my ext2/3/4 partition? I simply went with the 512 because it was set by default
(My card is a 8 gigabyte, class 6)

1.) Before I installed Apps2SD, I had installed some apps to my internal phone storage. If I uninstall them, do all residual files associated with those apps get removed?
It might depend on which version you are using. I would say yes. (based on CM 5.0.6)
2.) Does having more internal phone storage make my phone run "faster"?
No not really.
3.) Is there a limit on how big I can make my ext2/3/4 partition? I simply went with the 512 because it was set by default
No limit, I currently have 1gb, but android probably requires some fat32 for camera and other data. (texture store.. etc)

@behelit
Thank you for your response. I was debating uninstalling all my apps and reinstalling them with Apps2SD enabled. Since there's no performance degradation by having less internal phone storage, I will simply leave it as is, for now at least.
Thanks!

nexus14 said:
Hi there!
I just installed Apps2SD and it works great! However, I just have a few questions due to my neurotic manner.
1.) Before I installed Apps2SD, I had installed some apps to my internal phone storage. If I uninstall them, do all residual files associated with those apps get removed?
2.) Does having more internal phone storage make my phone run "faster"?
3.) Is there a limit on how big I can make my ext2/3/4 partition? I simply went with the 512 because it was set by default
(My card is a 8 gigabyte, class 6)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
1. you can simply move the app from /data to /sd-ext and vice versa. Settings->application->an_app->"move"
2. No. but you get more space for application data.
3. no limit but in reality 512MB is more than enough. I have a 768MB partition and it will never get used because /data will fill up before it.
Right now with 140 apps (all on the sd card, none on the /data partition)
/data: 61% used (122MB used) <-- this will fill up first
/sd-ext: 31% used (207MB used)

britoso said:
1. you can simply move the app from /data to /sd-ext and vice versa. Settings->application->an_app->"move"
2. No. but you get more space for application data.
3. no limit but in reality 512MB is more than enough. I have a 768MB partition and it will never get used because /data will fill up before it.
Right now with 140 apps (all on the sd card, none on the /data partition)
/data: 61% used (122MB used) <-- this will fill up first
/sd-ext: 31% used (207MB used)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thank you for this info! Very helpful! I did not even see the "move" option until you told me! THANKS!

[Q] RAM - ROM - FLASH: Big problems with memory!

Hello everyone,
My saga in switching from WM to Android continues.
I'm having a the "course" on Milestone...
Unfortunately, I think I have major weaknesses in the management of memory, certainly the Achilles heel of the stone. Although I would like you on this, finally, a comment following a hot discussion on a forum between myself and the supporters of the new Nokia E7.
The problem
ROM installed: 2.4 FroyoMOD
Trusting in App2SD, I have installed a lot fo applications, till a point where every installation finishes with "Application not installed", without any additional indication.
I removed some apps and after the software allowed me to put new ones.
Now it is again locked.
Using QUICK INFO SYSTEM I get this data:
SD CARD STORAGE
Total: 7.41GB, Free: 4.24 GB
A2SD STORAGE
Total: 62MB, Free: 17MB
But x 'A2SD has a limit?? The limit should not be the MemoryCard??
Internal Storage
Total: 197MB, Free: 130MB
STORAGE SYSTEM
Total: 176MB, Free: 5MB
This makes me worry about ... just not often drops below 5!
CACHE SYSTEM
Total: 106MB, Free: 160kB
Eye, the second entry is in kilobytes!
MEMORY
Total: 225MB, Free: 38.6 MB, Idle: 7.8 MB
Now, I have some parameters to the limit, and I can understand the frequent reboots, and the closure of some programs that automatically launch.
Now the question is: what are all these memories that that the program gives to me? And how do I free up space for continue using your device?
I tell you the installed applications are about thirty, I do not seem a huge amount.
Now, the question of Nokia: the E7 has only 256 MB of RAM like Milestone (but costs 629 €). Nokia users said to me that there was no problem because the handheld uses very efficiently the SWAP on memorycard.
And Android? Android can also use this technique? Or are we really hung up the physical RAM?
Thank you all for your help.

RobyMax1 said:
A2SD STORAGE
Total: 62MB, Free: 17MB
But x 'A2SD has a limit?? The limit should not be the MemoryCard??
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If u use app2sd with ext2 partition on card, then the limit is a space of ext2 partition
STORAGE SYSTEM
Total: 176MB, Free: 5MB
This makes me worry about ... just not often drops below 5!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It's a space in phone for apk installed by you (widgets, games etc)
Now, the question of Nokia: the E7 has only 256 MB of RAM like Milestone (but costs 629 €). Nokia users said to me that there was no problem because the handheld uses very efficiently the SWAP on memorycard.
And Android? Android can also use this technique? Or are we really hung up the physical RAM?
Thank you all for your help.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Android can do that, because it is *nix, but Motorola has blocked bootloader. Maybe someday Motorola will free Milestone's bootloader (or somebody brake bootloader security) then we will have a custom kernels with enbaled swap partition. But now it's impossible, because of Motorola's policy.

adamz667 said:
If u use app2sd with ext2 partition on card, then the limit is a space of ext2 partition
I've froyomod 2.4...and I don't know nothing about ext2...how can I check if I've this partition?
It's a space in phone for apk installed by you (widgets, games etc)
So, what can I do to improve this amount of memory?
Or I can Install only few apps :""( ?
Android can do that, because it is *nix, but Motorola has blocked bootloader. Maybe someday Motorola will free Milestone's bootloader (or somebody brake bootloader security) then we will have a custom kernels with enbaled swap partition. But now it's impossible, because of Motorola's policy.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Tnx so much!

HD2 Internal Memory

Despite all the posts and solutions on this subject I must admit a level of frustration at my continuing low internal memory on my HD2, I am running Pacman/ xylograph jb which has plenty of ROM space (most other ROMS take much bigger partitions), Link2SD, Apps2ROM and Clean Master. Link2SD tells me I have no apps on internal, Apps2Rom also confirms all apps either on ROM or SD.
When I look at the storage values I get:
Internal: 146MB used 106 free 40.1
SD card 10.98GB Used 3.91 Free 7.08
SD 2nd partition 3.81GB Used 30.3MB Free 3.77GB
System 260MB Used 177 Free 83.5
Cache 146MB Used 106 Free 40.1
Why is it that despite linking all apps to 2nd partition and having spare space on ROM my internal space is so low, cache is cleaned out every day.
What is using 106MB of internal space?
Any useful thoughts would be appreciated.

hardav said:
Despite all the posts and solutions on this subject I must admit a level of frustration at my continuing low internal memory on my HD2, I am running Pacman/ xylograph jb which has plenty of ROM space (most other ROMS take much bigger partitions), Link2SD, Apps2ROM and Clean Master. Link2SD tells me I have no apps on internal, Apps2Rom also confirms all apps either on ROM or SD.
When I look at the storage values I get:
Internal: 146MB used 106 free 40.1
SD card 10.98GB Used 3.91 Free 7.08
SD 2nd partition 3.81GB Used 30.3MB Free 3.77GB
System 260MB Used 177 Free 83.5
Cache 146MB Used 106 Free 40.1
Why is it that despite linking all apps to 2nd partition and having spare space on ROM my internal space is so low, cache is cleaned out every day.
What is using 106MB of internal space?
Any useful thoughts would be appreciated.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Your system partition is way too big, 260mb with 83.5mb free.
You don't need that, 185 mb should be fine for system partition.
Check out the rom thread for recommended partition size.

You can also run roms with DataOnExt. You won't ever run out of memory then. Format an ext4 partition of 1 to 2 GB on your SD card and you have plenty memory.
Or do you have a specific reason to run on Nand?
Sent from my NexusHD2 using xda app-developers app

jvzijp said:
You can also run roms with DataOnExt. You won't ever run out of memory then. Format an ext4 partition of 1 to 2 GB on your SD card and you have plenty memory.
Or do you have a specific reason to run on Nand?
Sent from my NexusHD2 using xda app-developers app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I agree with this.
DataOnEXT is definitely the best solution for problems regarding running out of memory quickly.

[Q] Problems with application memory. How to increase it?

Hello!
I've installed a SlimKat rom (4.4.2), and I've installed two apps, both 30MB, and now I can't install any app, because it says: "Not enough memory". I've noticed on applications, that only 1,8GB is used, and 200MB is free. And now, there is a question: How to increase this memory, if the phone has internal 16 GB of memory, to make apps use more of it, like from this 2GB to 4GB or sth. On previous ROM's that I've installed I had the same problem, but it was like 300mb available, and I was able to move some apps to SD card, but not every app is movable, so plese, help me increase this available memory for applications.
Thanks.

Check you data partition and delete the lost+found folder..

nokiamodeln91 said:
Check you data partition and delete the lost+found folder..
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Lost-found folder was empty.

Data/logs?

nokiamodeln91 said:
Data/logs?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Data /data 35mb that are needed, logs empty. Its a fresh ROM, installed after full whipe, no unwanted files found SO far, but i don't know what uses this 1.8 gigs of memory...

Use SD maid to scan files.. It should show some info you need.

I did data whipe and installed ROM again, now it's ok. Dunno what used this 1.8 gigs of memory.