1.2

• Virtual memory


  If the main memory (RAM) is full, the operating system (OS) creates virtual memory using a section of the hard drive
• Benefits of upgrading the amount of RAM on a system


  • Be able to run more programs simultaneously
  • Be able to handle more data
  • Overall, a more efficient system
• Primary Storage from Start Up


  1. When a computer is turned on no data is stored in RAM. This is because it is volatile storage.

  2. The operating system is loaded from your hard drive into RAM
• ROM (Read Only Memory)


  Stores the bootstrap with the location of the operating system
• What happens when applications or programs are loaded


  1. They are copied into RAM from the hard drive

  2. Documents and files (data) that are used with those programs are also opened by copying them into RAM

  3. RAM starts to fill up as all these programs, documents and files are copied to it
• Virtual memory


  1. Programs are transferred out of RAM and into virtual memory

  2. The OS prioritises which currently in use programs and data need to be in RAM

  3. The process is ongoing and will keep prioritising programs and files currently in use

  4. If you needed PowerPoint again the CPU would move the necessary data around
• Advantages of virtual memory


  • Uses cheap secondary storage on the hard drive
  • Prevents error messages saying 'out of memory' – the programs and files will still open
• Disadvantages of virtual memory


  • Accessing virtual memory is very slow – this will reduce the computer's speed performance when switching between programs
• Virtual memory is not ideal, it is just necessary to keep the computer functioning efficiently
• Normally, increasing the amount of RAM storage will always be a better option