What Is...

[Duffman]

virtual memory

[lynx]

Windows often needs more memory than is physically available. When it runs out of physical memory, it reserves an area of the disc and stores some of the information it is not currently using in that space. This is known as virtual memory, also known as the page file.

When it needs the information it previously wrote to disc, it will read it back in, if necessary writing something else out to make room.

[Virtualbody1234]

Originally posted by Duffman3@14 December 2003 - 15:24
virtual memory
I can't remember. :unsure:

[camille]

Nice explanation lynx.

[bob_the_alien]

It's also something you don't want.
Just slows you down, and this is a bad thing. :P

[camille]

Physical memory is faster than virtual memory (page file/swap file).