What does virtual memory do?

What does virtual memory do?

• A. Increases the physical memory of the computer
• B. Simulates random access memory using disk space
• C. Improves the performance of the CPU
• D. Stores all operating system files

Answer: (B)

Virtual memory simulates random access memory (RAM) using disk space, allowing a computer to run larger applications or multiple applications simultaneously than it could with physical RAM alone. Essentially, when a computer's physical memory is full, the operating system uses a portion of the hard drive or SSD as an extension of RAM. This process involves moving data that is not actively in use from RAM to disk storage, a technique known as paging. By doing so, virtual memory enables the system to effectively manage memory allocation, run larger processes, and maintain system stability, leading to improved multitasking capabilities even when physical memory resources are limited. While increasing the physical memory of the computer and storing all operating system files are important aspects of overall system performance, they do not specifically relate to the role of virtual memory. Additionally, while virtual memory can indirectly affect CPU performance by allowing more processes to be run concurrently, it does not inherently improve the CPU's performance itself; rather, it helps optimize how memory resources are utilized by the system.

Virtual memory simulates random access memory (RAM) using disk space, allowing a computer to run larger applications or multiple applications simultaneously than it could with physical RAM alone. Essentially, when a computer's physical memory is full, the operating system uses a portion of the hard drive or SSD as an extension of RAM. This process involves moving data that is not actively in use from RAM to disk storage, a technique known as paging. By doing so, virtual memory enables the system to effectively manage memory allocation, run larger processes, and maintain system stability, leading to improved multitasking capabilities even when physical memory resources are limited.

While increasing the physical memory of the computer and storing all operating system files are important aspects of overall system performance, they do not specifically relate to the role of virtual memory. Additionally, while virtual memory can indirectly affect CPU performance by allowing more processes to be run concurrently, it does not inherently improve the CPU's performance itself; rather, it helps optimize how memory resources are utilized by the system.