What is the virtual memory of the computer?

A typical element of most of the operating systems is virtual memory. It has become very widespread due to its low cost with significant advantages. Let's consider what virtual memory is, and where to use it?

At the moment, modern computers usually use about one gigabyte of memory for their work. Usually this volume is not enough to efficiently and quickly run programs demanding virtual memory. For example, if you simultaneously load an application for processing photos, a program for communicating via the Internet, and a browser, then the probability is high that this amount of memory will not be enough, because of which the computer will be slow or you may need to close one of the programs. And in the absence of virtual memory, there is no multitasking, that is, the simultaneous launch of several different programs. In this case, the machine would suggest completing the current program to open a new one.

What is virtual memory ?

Its work is very simple: the computer searches for data in RAM, but not used, and then puts them on the hard drive. This allows you to free virtual memory, which makes it possible to run new applications and programs. This process is automatic, but the user most often does not even notice it, it may seem that the computer has a large memory, even if it is installed only 512 megabytes. If the operating system accesses virtual memory resources more often than usual, this affects the speed of work, that is, it falls significantly, similarly occurs with performance.

So, if you already understand what virtual memory is, it's worth saying that the comfortable operation of the operating system can be provided only in one case: if the amount of installed RAM exceeds several times the volume of what is currently required for operation.

What should I do if Windows virtual memory is almost full? This will tell you the operating system itself in the tooltip above the taskbar, where it will be indicated that there is not enough memory or it is almost over. Its volume can be made more if necessary, for which the swap file is responsible, which can be edited by the operating system itself if such a need arises.

Increase virtual memory

To do this, you need to enter the main menu, where to find the "Control Panel", and then the "System" item. In the "Advanced" tab you should find the "Performance" item, and then open the parameters window. In the section with the name "Virtual Memory" you will see the available amount of memory at the moment. You can change the settings using the "Change" button. It is worth setting a value that is twice the amount of RAM.

So, what is virtual memory, you already understood, and now it is worth talking about how to clean it. This procedure is necessary to preserve the confidentiality of data located in the swap file. This is done through a special function, which is usually disabled. To activate it, you need to find the Administration folder in the Control Panel where you can open the Local Security Policy. In this window, you need to right-click the "Clear virtual memory file" item, where you select "Properties". There you need to use the option "Turn off", then click "Apply", and then "Ok". Next, you will need to reboot the computer twice, the swap file will be cleared after the second time.