1. [techspeak] To move information from a fast-access memory to a
slow-access memory (swap out), or vice versa (swap in). Often refers
specifically to the use of disks as virtual memory. As pieces of data
or program are needed, they are swapped into {core} for processing;
when they are no longer needed they may be swapped out again.
2. The jargon use of these terms analogizes people's short-term
memories with core. Cramming for an exam might be spoken of as
swapping in. If you temporarily forget someone's name, but then
remember it, your excuse is that it was swapped out. To keep
something swapped in means to keep it fresh in your memory: "I reread
the TECO manual every few months to keep it swapped in." If someone
interrupts you just as you got a good idea, you might say "Wait a
moment while I swap this out", implying that a piece of paper is your
extra-somatic memory and that if you don't swap the idea out by
writing it down it will get overwritten and lost as you talk. Compare
{page in}, {page out}.
[glossary]
[Reference(s) to this entry by made by: {hack mode}{page in}{page out}{store}{swapped in}{swapped out}]