ubuntu is very slow when using swap

[sam1948]

Hi,
i m using ubuntu 10.10, 64bit, 2Gb memory, dual-core(2x3.2GHz cpu).
when I m reaching the memory limit the swap become in use (i see it using conky).
i believe that when using swap, context switch (between programs) can be slow but it is slow all the time.
each open program takes less than 1Gb of memory.
(browser, virtual box eclipse and the regulars nautilus,conky etc.)
any idea would be appreciated.

[mikewhatever]

Swap is much slower then RAM, so if you often run out of RAM, consider upgrading to 4GB or more if needed.

[sam1948]

i know about speed, but after changing programs memory pages between memory and swap the program in the front must run fast enough to be used properly.
but, everything remains very slow.