Learn: Virtual Memory - Why It's Needed

Welcome!You've already learned about the roles of RAM and ROM, and how cache speeds up processing. Today, we'll take it further by exploring virtual memory and why computers need it.

What is Virtual Memory?Virtual memory is a section of secondary storage (like a hard drive or SSD) that is used temporarily as extra RAM. It helps when the computer runs out of actual RAM by providing additional space for data and programs.

Why Is Virtual Memory Needed?Sometimes, your computer needs to run more programs or handle more data than the RAM can store. Virtual memory allows the computer to keep working by storing less-used data on the secondary storage temporarily. This prevents the computer from crashing or freezing.

How Does Virtual Memory Work?The computer moves less-used data from RAM to the secondary storage (e.g. hard drive or SSD), freeing up space in RAM for active programs. When that data is needed again, it's swapped back into RAM.

Advantages of Virtual MemoryVirtual memory prevents the computer from crashing or freezing when there isn't enough RAM. It allows the system to handle more tasks than the physical RAM can support.

Disadvantages of Virtual MemoryAccessing data from secondary storage is much slower than accessing data from RAM. This can make the computer slower if it relies too much on virtual memory.

Review Time!Great work! You've learned about virtual memory, how it works, and its advantages and disadvantages. Now let's test your understanding with a few questions.