A module manages memory in a computer. The module monitors usage of a primary memory associated with the computer. The primary memory stores memory blocks in a ready state. In response to primary memory usage by the memory blocks in the ready state exceeding a ready state threshold, the module compresses at least some of the memory blocks in the ready state to form memory blocks in a ready and compressed state. In response to primary memory usage by the memory blocks in the ready and compressed state exceeding a release threshold, the module releases at least some of the memory blocks in the ready and compressed state. In response to primary memory usage by the memory blocks in the compressed state exceeding a compressed threshold, the module transfers at least some memory blocks in the compressed state to a secondary memory associated with the computer.