Virtual memory is a technique for extending the memory capacity of a computer. It involves writing unused portions of memory to a swap file on your hard disk and reading it back later when it is needed. Your computer first usesup all the normal memory (RAM) in your system; when that runs out, it starts to swap inactive data or programs to the swap file. If the data that is swapped out is needed at a later time, it is swapped back in.
The larger the swap file, the more data you can handle without getting Out of Memory errors. However, if you do not have enough normal memory to hold the active information you are working on, something called thrashing may occur which is a condition where memory is continually being swapped in and out and the computer grinds to a crawl. The more RAM you have, the larger the amount of information you can work on without thrashing.
The larger the swap file, the more data you can handle without getting Out of Memory errors. However, if you do not have enough normal memory to hold the active information you are working on, something called thrashing may occur which is a condition where memory is continually being swapped in and out and the computer grinds to a crawl. The more RAM you have, the larger the amount of information you can work on without thrashing.
RSS Feed