It has frequently reported in a number of sources that running a Linux
system without any swap slows the kernel down.  While I understand that
the overall system may run better with swap (unused space can be swapped
out to allow more cache), is there any reason a significant performance
hit would be seen when running without swap?  I currently do so on my
netbook (to reduce write cycles to the SSD).  So is the "need" for swap
urban legend, or is there a good case for it, aside from caching
performance?

Thanks,
--DT