Handling swap partitions

Note: /dev/sdb2 is used as an example. Replace it with your actual disk/partition identifier.

• Check existing swap space:
  

  $ swapon --show

  $ free -h

  If no swap is active, proceed with creation.

• Create a swap partition:
  

  Launch fdisk with administrative privileges:

  $ sudo fdisk /dev/sdb

  Within fdisk, execute these steps:

  • Press n for new partition
  • Select p for primary
  • Accept default partition number or specify
  • Set size (e.g. +2G for 2GB)
  • Press t and choose type 82 (Linux swap)
  • Press w to write changes

  Tip: Reboot or run partprobe to reload partition table.

• Format partition as swap:
  

  $ sudo mkswap /dev/sdb2

• Activate the swap space:
  

  $ sudo swapon /dev/sdb2

• Enable permanent swap on boot:
  

  Edit the fstab file:

  $ sudo nano /etc/fstab

  Add this entry at the end:

  /dev/sdb2 none swap defaults 0 0

  Verify the entry is correct:

  $ sudo mount -a

• Verify swap configuration:
  

  $ swapon --show

  $ free -h

• Optional: Tune swap usage (0-100):
  

  Check current value:

  $ cat /proc/sys/vm/swappiness

  Set temporary new value (lower = less swap usage):

  $ sudo sysctl vm.swappiness=10

  Make permanent by adding to /etc/sysctl.conf:

  $ echo 'vm.swappiness=10' | sudo tee -a /etc/sysctl.conf