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Virtual memory is a commonly used term in IT. But are you aware of its proper usages? Virtual memory is part of the operating system, and it helps you in performing some functions. This article provides information to its readers on what virtual memory is. Also, how they can customize the virtual memory of Windows 10. Indeed, to improve the performance and efficiency of their desktop operating system. Now let’s see the importance of virtual memory and more.
What is virtual memory?
Virtual memory is a technique of memory management. German physicist ”Fritz Rudolf Guntsch” is credited with developing the concept of virtual memory in 1956. As part of his doctoral work. He described in it a computer that automatically moves data from primary to secondary memory. That avoids running out of data in the main memory.It formed the basis of paging or virtual memory. Paging began to show up in commercial computers in the early 1960s.
In the 1960s and early 1970s, computer memory was expensive. The virtual memory allowed software programs, which require a large amount of data to function well without using real data. It became a significant motive for all systems to adopt virtual memory.
Following is a simple explanation of virtual memory. RAM (Random Access Memory) is use to run applications. When the computer uses the data. But when we run large applications. Also, too many applications at the same time, the RAM may become full. At that time, Virtual Memory comes to rescue. So the question comes,” HOW?” The data in RAM, which is not temporarily in use, is moved to virtual memory. Virtual memory is located physically on a hard drive or other storage devices. It allows large applications to run faster without depleting the RAM data.
Why is Virtual Memory Required?
The need for virtual memory is critical because RAM is more expensive than physical memory. Firstly, it is more cost-effective to use virtual memory than to equip your system with more RAM. It is because virtual memory uses the existing storage space.
The second reason to use virtual memory is that all computer systems have certain limitations (depending on the hardware and software) and how much RAM can get installed. Virtual memory allows the system to run beyond the RAM capacity.
THE MECHANISM OF VIRTUAL MEMORY
When the operating system runs the applications on the desktop, it stores the location of program threads and other data at a virtual address. At the same time, the data is present in RAM if later RAM space starts running out. Due to more extensive or multiple applications in use. The information is then getting swap out of RAM into virtual memory—this work of managing data between physical and virtual memory functions by the computer’s memory manager.
A system with 4 GB RAM will give better performance. Then a system with 2GB RAM and 2GB Virtual memory. It is because of the performance hit caused by swapping. There can be a potential problem if virtual memory is larger than the RAM. Besides, the CPU may spend a large number of its resources. It is swapping data from RAM to virtual memory and vice versa. Thrashing happens that reduces the performance of the programs. Which are running in the system, and the programs may come to a halt.
One must reduce the number of applications run in a system or need to increase RAM to minimize thrashing.
VIRTUAL MEMORY WINDOWS 10
Windows is the most widely used operating system in the world. It requires a well efficient virtual memory. Windows 10 by Microsoft has over 1 Billion users. That makes it the most popular desktop OS in the world. Moreover, It’sIt’s share is around 55% among all the operating systems.
Especially in the OS like windows, the virtual memory can be so handy. There are a few ways you can manage your virtual memory on windows.
Let us look at one of the primary ways to manage your virtual memory on windows 10.
HOW TO MANAGE VIRTUAL MEMORY ON WINDOWS 10?
Windows 10 users, you just came to know what virtual memory is? The following information about how to custom virtual memory in your Windows 10 system will be useful for you.
Moreover, the operating system Microsoft suggests that virtual memory needs get set at no below 1.5 times. Also, no more than three times the amount of RAM on the computer.
Following are the steps to change virtual memory on windows 10 as per Microsoft:
1)Go to settings.
2)Type ‘performance in the search bar’ and select ‘Adjust the appearance and performance of windows’.
3)A new window will appear. Go to the ‘Advanced’ tab in it.
4)You will see a ‘virtual memory’ section in it.
5)Click on ‘Change’. If the current memory is less than the recommended virtual memory changes it to the recommended one. For this unselect the Automatically manage paging file size for all drives box on this window and click on Custom Size.
6)Then enter the recommended value. And click on ‘OK’ to save changes.
TYPES OF VIRTUAL MEMORY: PAGING AND SEGMENTATION
VIRTUAL MEMORY PAGING- In a system that uses paging. RAM is divides into any number of blocks (the block’s size is generally 4K), which are called pages. These pages are swaps into virtual memory as per the various process requirements running in the system. It allows little wastage of memory. But this may not be so if extensive processes requiring a lot of data are being runs. Then several pages will get transfer to virtual memory. Results, the waste data may also be more.
VIRTUAL MEMORY SEGMENTATION
One significant advantage of virtual memory is segmentation. That the exact amount of data required will get remove from RAM, it helps the proper functioning of processes get swap into virtual memory. However, leading to no wastage of virtual memory data.
Segmentation allows applications to get split into independent logical address spaces, making them easier to share.
But the disadvantage is that the data may get fragmented into many small segments. Also, there will be several short segments to keep the tab off. It can cause inefficiency and reduce performance.
MERITS OF VIRTUAL MEMORY
- Virtual memory makes space for running many applications at the same time.
- Also it allows running large applications. Which would not be able to run solely on the data provided by RAM.
- Compared to RAM Virtual memory is cost-effective.
- You get more space than actual RAM capacity to run your large applications.
DEMERITS OF VIRTUAL MEMORY
- RAM being more expensive also provides better speed than virtual memory.
- There are high chances that virtual memory may reduce the performance of your system.
- Virtual memory can Reduce the overall performance of the system.
- Storage space get reduces is the other demerit.
CONCLUSION
Technology is getting advancing day by day. It is the era of artificial intelligence and technological expansion. Moreover, in this aspect, people are equipping themselves with technical knowledge and updates. There are a few essential things that one must know while using an operating system. Indeed that can be so handy. Virtual memory is such an aspect in an operating system that will benefit you while performing functions.
A large number are not well aware of the virtual memory and its proper usage. However, virtual memory and its right application will help you very efficiently in your tasks.
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