[ferret_users] concerning -memsize switch

[Phil Moses <pbmoses@xxxxxxxx>]

Hello,
I am a bit confused about the memsize switch and am hoping that someone
can provide a bit more information about it. 

In particular, from where will ferret determine the maximum memory that
can be allocated with the -memsize switch. 
We see varied results when allocating memory, sometimes we are able to
set -memsize 500 and sometimes much less. 

I have seen in the manual that the Set Memory advises to stay within
physical memory limitations of the machine. Is it possible to force
ferret to utilize swap memory as well as physical memory?


Brief details:
Sun W1100z workstation running RHEL 
2GB physical memory
swap space minimum of 2GB maximum of 20GB (adjustable)
ferret V5.80 Linux(g77) 2.4.20

Data details (passed on to me)
datasets = ~1.6GB
array = 3600*733*40 grid points


further information is greatly appreciated.

Thanks,
Phil
-- 
Phil Moses
UNIX/Network/Computing Administration and Support
Physical Oceanography Research Division, Scripps Institution of Oceanography
858-822-1541