PAGE FRAME Meaning and
Definition
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A page frame, in computer science and operating systems, refers to a fixed-size block of memory that is utilized by a virtual memory system to store pages of data that have been transferred from the main memory to secondary storage devices, such as a hard disk or solid-state drive (SSD). It is a crucial component in the management of virtual memory and plays a fundamental role in optimizing memory utilization and system performance.
When a program requires more memory than is currently available in the computer's physical memory, the operating system uses a technique known as paging to transfer inactive pages from the main memory to the page frame located on secondary storage devices. This enables the system to free up physical memory to accommodate newer or more frequently accessed data and programs.
Page frames are typically of a fixed size, often measured in kilobytes or megabytes, and are aligned with the boundaries of physical memory blocks. They act as buffers between the physical memory and secondary storage devices, facilitating fast and efficient retrieval of pages when needed. The page frame number (PFN) provides a unique identifier to locate a specific page frame within the system.
By using page frames, the virtual memory system dynamically manages memory allocation, swapping and retrieving pages, and maintaining a balance between physical memory usage and demand. Efficient utilization of page frames significantly enhances overall system performance and allows for the execution of larger and more sophisticated programs.
Common Misspellings for PAGE FRAME
- oage frame
- lage frame
- -age frame
- 0age frame
- pzge frame
- psge frame
- pwge frame
- pqge frame
- pafe frame
- pave frame
- pabe frame
- pahe frame
- paye frame
- pate frame
- pagw frame
- pags frame
- pagd frame
- pagr frame
- pag4 frame
- pag3 frame
Etymology of PAGE FRAME
The etymology of the word "page frame" can be understood by examining the origins of each individual term.
1. Page: The word "page" comes from the Old French "page" which originally referred to a servant attending to noble households. It then evolved to refer to a boy learning under a knight or nobleman. In the context of computing, the term "page" refers to a fixed unit of data that is stored in memory.
2. Frame: The word "frame" has origins in Old English and Old Norse. In Old English, "fram" meant "a joining" or "a building". Similarly, in Old Norse, "frame" referred to a structure or framework. In the context of computing, a "frame" is a fixed-size block of memory that is used for various purposes.
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