VIRTUAL STORAGE Meaning and
Definition
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Virtual storage, also known as virtual memory, is a computer storage management technique that allows the operating system to effectively utilize limited physical memory resources. It is a mechanism that enlarges the address space available to a computer program, making it appear as if the program has access to more memory than is physically present.
In virtual storage, the operating system divides the logical address space used by a program into smaller units called pages, which are typically of equal size. These pages are then mapped onto physical memory frames, which are also of the same size. When a program requires more memory than the physical memory can accommodate, the operating system transfers unused pages from the physical memory to a disk storage area called a swap file or page file. This frees up space in the physical memory to load new pages required by the program.
As a result, the computer system supports a larger address space than its actual physical memory capacity, allowing for the execution of larger programs or multiple programs concurrently. Virtual storage effectively balances memory usage, allowing many programs to run simultaneously without overwhelming the physical memory.
Virtual storage serves as a crucial component in modern computer systems, enabling the smooth execution of applications, multitasking, and efficient memory management. It enables the system to handle large and complex programs by utilizing disk space effectively, minimizing the chances of running out of memory and ensuring that the system operates smoothly and efficiently.
Common Misspellings for VIRTUAL STORAGE
- cirtual storage
- birtual storage
- girtual storage
- firtual storage
- vurtual storage
- vjrtual storage
- vkrtual storage
- vortual storage
- v9rtual storage
- v8rtual storage
- vietual storage
- vidtual storage
- viftual storage
- vittual storage
- vi5tual storage
- vi4tual storage
- virrual storage
- virfual storage
- virgual storage
Etymology of VIRTUAL STORAGE
The word "virtual storage" is derived from two components: "virtual" and "storage".
The term "virtual" is derived from the Latin word "virtus", meaning "excellence" or "power". In the context of computing, "virtual" refers to something that appears to exist but does not have a physical presence. It is a concept that represents a simulation or emulation of something, such as virtual reality or virtual memory.
"Storage" comes from the Latin word "staurare", which means "to heap up" or "to store". It refers to the act of storing or keeping something for future use.
Thus, "virtual storage" is a combination of these two components and refers to a non-physical, simulated or emulated method of storing data or information. It represents a form of storage that is not directly tied to physical hardware or devices.
Similar spelling words for VIRTUAL STORAGE
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