Why kernel kills processes that run out of memory instead of just failing memory allocation system calls?

[Jonathan McKeown]

On Thursday 21 May 2009 23:37:20 Nate Eldredge wrote:
> Of course all these problems are solved, under any policy, by having more
> memory or swap.  But overcommit allows you to do more with less.

Or to put it another way, 90% of the problems that could be solved by having 
more memory can also be solved by pretending you have more memory and hoping 
no-one calls your bluff.

Jonathan