Ask HN: Novel crazy ideas on reducing RAM usage

3 pointssudo_cowsay12d ago9 comments

Hi! I'm just wondering what kinds of software tools and ideas can be used/made to reduce the usage of RAM. Crazier the better.

9 comments

theGeatZhopa12d ago

For windows: start it in safe mode with command prompt (without ui, or even without ui and network)

eliminate the desktop, taskbar, and file explorer and run only Command Prompt or PowerShell (replacing explorer.exe with a CLI shell in the registry) or using Server Core/Nano Server principles

HerbManic12d ago

In what context would this be? What application types? At OS level? This is a very broad question.

sudo_cowsayOP12d ago

It was meant to be broad (for more creative responses). However, I would focus more on OS level.

HerbManic12d ago

Can do! On screen keyboard can only be used in T9 mode, only need graphics for 10 buttons instead of the full keyboard.

turtleyacht12d ago

Boot into single-user mode. Set memory caps. Run apps on separate devices as "servers."

Recompile the kernel without extra device drivers.

Run apps on bare metal (see server idea above).

Don't use the computer at all, or charge yourself for "compute."

zbaby12d ago

Simple: users should just stop multitasking

HerbManic12d ago

So almost Windows 8 tablet mode.

IcePic12d ago

Go back to amiga and C64.

Flundstrom212d ago

Uninstall windows and avoid electron and chromium-based apps.

j / k navigate · click thread line to collapse

9 comments

theGeatZhopa12d ago

For windows: start it in safe mode with command prompt (without ui, or even without ui and network)

eliminate the desktop, taskbar, and file explorer and run only Command Prompt or PowerShell (replacing explorer.exe with a CLI shell in the registry) or using Server Core/Nano Server principles

HerbManic12d ago

In what context would this be? What application types? At OS level? This is a very broad question.

sudo_cowsayOP12d ago

It was meant to be broad (for more creative responses). However, I would focus more on OS level.

HerbManic12d ago

Can do! On screen keyboard can only be used in T9 mode, only need graphics for 10 buttons instead of the full keyboard.

turtleyacht12d ago

Boot into single-user mode. Set memory caps. Run apps on separate devices as "servers."

Recompile the kernel without extra device drivers.

Run apps on bare metal (see server idea above).

Don't use the computer at all, or charge yourself for "compute."

zbaby12d ago

Simple: users should just stop multitasking

HerbManic12d ago

So almost Windows 8 tablet mode.

IcePic12d ago

Go back to amiga and C64.

Flundstrom212d ago

Uninstall windows and avoid electron and chromium-based apps.

j / k navigate · click thread line to collapse