Virtual computer memory and ways to increase it

Virtual memory is a special technology that manages the memory of computer systems that use multifunctional operating systems. The essence of this technology lies in the fact that each program to ensure its efficiency in the composition of such a device, refers to the general memory of the computer to a separate address. Such addressing is displayed in a certain way on the physical module that provides this memory. Increasing the efficiency of memory usage organized in this way is achieved by the fact that for each running program, the necessary memory space is reserved. In addition, the virtual memory of the computer allows the user to increase the total volume, reaching indicators that exceed those found on physical devices. This is provided by the technology of pumping unused resources into the storage.

The appearance of this technology dates back to the middle of the last century. Prior to this, two memory levels were used in computing devices - primary and secondary. The emergence of virtual memory was dictated by the need to find a simpler control mode for it.

When used, the virtual memory of the computer greatly simplifies the programming process, since it eliminates the need to constantly monitor the amount of used and free memory or distribute it between running programs. Practically for every working application with this technology, access to the entire address space is provided, no matter how much physical devices are designed for.

In the most general sense, the virtual memory of the computer solves the following problems:

- simplifies and rationalizes memory addressing for running applications;

- Provides a rational management of RAM - RAM, by selecting and storing the most popular and frequently used applications;

- Automates the calculation processes in such a way that each process is implemented as if it owns all the computer's memory.

In modern computers, the technology of creating virtual memory is supported by hardware support, except for those cases when solving special tasks where it is required to maintain ultra-high-speed operation modes. As a rule, such devices are not intended for mass use, and therefore the multifunctional is substantially limited.

The considered technology is realized basically by two ways of the organization.

The page organization provides division of operative memory on pages with the fixed volume, as a rule - 4096 bytes. Inside this size there is a file in which information about its serial number (page number) and its offset is encoded . The central processor of the computer transforms the page number into the corresponding address. The processor converts the virtual page number to the appropriate address on the physical device. The operating system independently further "monitors" the use of this memory cell and manages it, depending on whether it is busy or not.

Segment organization is based on the fact that the entire virtual memory of the computer is divided into certain parts - the segments to which the operating system and provides access rights for each program. The addressing process with this method is almost the same as that used for the paging method, however, when the segments are distributed, their fragmentation occurs, which negatively affects the speed of the computer. Overcome this inconvenience in two ways: either increase the amount of memory, or release the one used, by clearing it of unnecessary data. To learn how to free virtual memory, any user can access the help section of the operating system that is installed on the computer and there this simple procedure is detailed.

The increase in the amount of virtual memory can be achieved by two main methods - cleaning, as mentioned above, or by increasing its physical volume, by installing new equipment. There are many programs that will tell you how to increase the amount of virtual memory and help you do it yourself.