Definition of Virtual Memory
The term "virtual memory" refers to the physical address space that is used to store virtual memory addresses on a hard drive. This technique makes more memory available to programs because the hard drive space is translated into real random-access memory (RAM). All programs installed on an operating system use virtual memory, even if physical memory is still available.
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Pagefile
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The operating system uses a pagefile to store small pages of virtual address space. This space is accessed when system processes exceed the total amount of physical RAM that is available. The size of the pagefile depends on the total amount of physical RAM that has been installed on the system. The typical size of the pagefile is 1.5 times the amount of memory that is currently installed.
Performance
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The performance of a computer system will begin to decrease the more the system has to use the hard drive for virtual memory. This is because virtual memory is not as fast as physical memory. Also, programs and hardware that share memory can limit the resources available on the system. A system warning will appear when system resources reach a critical level.
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Monitoring
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Monitoring the amount of memory the system is using is important. To do so, use the "Performance Monitor" in the Windows operating system and the "Activity Monitor" in the Mac operating system.
Configuring
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Go to "Performance Options" through the "System" icon in the "Control Panel" to configure virtual memory in Windows. You can set the virtual memory of paging file size to a custom level or have the system manage it. The Mac operating system configures the amount of virtual memory dynamically; you do not need to set this.
Thrashing
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"Thrashing" describes the process of moving blocks of virtual memory between physical memory and the hard disk. When thrashing occurs, the system will slow significantly and take longer to complete tasks. The only way to prevent thrashing is to install more physical memory.
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