virtual memory
Disk-extended address space
Virtual memory is a computing technique that uses hard drive space to extend a computer's RAM, allowing programs to run as if more physical memory were available.
The operating system swaps data between RAM and disk storage as needed, creating the illusion of abundant memory.
When a system runs low on RAM, heavy reliance on virtual memory causes noticeable slowdown.
Exchange one for another
- pagefileDisk-based memory extension
- frameSupporting outer structure
- physical addressReal-world postal coordinates
- segmentationDivision into sections
Decisive, lopsided defeat
Temporary data storage hardware
- disk storageNonvolatile data preservation medium
- SSDChip-based storage device
- HDDMagnetic platter storage device
- swap fileDisk space mimicking RAM
Redirecting attention between activities
- forkTined eating tool
- sandboxingIsolating untrusted code
swap
Exchange one for another
- pagefileDisk-based memory extension
- frameSupporting outer structure
- physical addressReal-world postal coordinates
thrashing
Decisive, lopsided defeat
overhead · optimization · throughput · locality · prefetching
RAM
Temporary data storage hardware
- disk storageNonvolatile data preservation medium
- SSDChip-based storage device
- HDDMagnetic platter storage device
context switching
Redirecting attention between activities
- forkTined eating tool
- sandboxingIsolating untrusted code
- memory managementbuffer, free, heap, stack, allocation
- memory operationsread, write, load, store, copy
- system resourcesRAM, CPU, threads, processes, heap
- memoryremember, forget, recall, memorize, recollect
- storage mediablank CD, blank tape, CD, DVD, floppy disk
- IT Infrastructurecloud computing, data center, server, VM, router
virtual memoryRAM
Temporary data storage hardware
main memory · DRAM · silicon chips · SRAM · cache memory
memory, virtual, virtually, virtuoso, virtuosity, virtuosic, virtualization, virtualize, virtualized