buffer memory & cache memory

[Claudio Cilloni]

hi all.

I need to understand what are 'buffers' and 'cached' memory indication shown by the top command.

Could you tell me how the kernel (2.6) uses these type of memory? What kind of data does they contains? What means if a see that the 'buffers' and/or 'cached' values are growing?

If possible write examples commands that brings the kernel to grow or shrink these memory areas.

thanks.

Ciao

[Alessandro_66 · Accepted solution]

Claudio,

in the link below you can find an introduction to the linux VM:

http://www.redhat.com/magazine/001nov04/features/vm/

Ciao