Understanding and Optimizing Virtual Memory

Virtual memory is a scheme that is used in computer software and hardware to enable non-contagious memory to be treated as if it were contagious. The implementation of virtual memory allows memory to be addressed even if it does not reside in a computer’s main memory while remaining in its auxiliary location. This allows for more storage space to be available on the hard drive. This also reduces the amount of bugs and technical difficulties that your computer will encounter because problem programs can be isolated without disrupting unrelated tasks. When addressing RAM in virtual mode, memory can be divided into different pages, that are usually 4096 bytes in length. When these pages are created, they can then reside in any available RAM location that has the capability to be addressed in virtual mode. If an addressing scheme is virtual in nature, the page tables must start at a fixed location so that the memory can be indexed by a single byte while having maximum length.

Virtual memory has been a staple of Microsoft Windows applications since 1990, and it is used by XP and Vista to help provide backup memory in the event that there is not enough memory to run a program or operation. Virtual memory is also used to combine the RAM with any temporary space on the hard drive. In the event that your RAM is running low, virtual memory will move data from the RAM to a paging file to give RAM enough memory to complete whatever tasks it is currently working on.

If you are getting noticed that you are running low on virtual memory, there are a couple fast and simple steps you can take to restore it. The easiest and most effective thing to do in the event of dwindling virtual memory is to add more RAM. Many people mistakenly attempt to add more virtual memory, but this is counterproductive. Your computer can read data much quicker from the RAM than it can from the hard disk, so adding more and more virtual memory will make your computer run slower over time. The more RAM you have, the faster your computer will run.