What is virtual memory?

Virtual memory is a crucial concept in operating systems that plays a significant role in memory management. It allows a system to use hard disk space as an extension of RAM, essentially allowing a computer to simulate having more memory than is physically available. When the actual RAM is full, the operating system can move some data that is not immediately needed into a designated space on the hard drive, often referred to as a page file or swap space. This process allows for more efficient use of memory, enabling multiple applications to run simultaneously without running out of physical RAM.

By using hard disk space in this way, the system can handle larger applications or multiple applications at once, improving overall performance and multitasking capabilities. This technique not only optimizes memory use but also helps in managing memory protection and isolation between processes, enhancing system stability and security.