Question

What is the purpose of the ‘virtual memory’ in an operating system?

• A. To increase the physical RAM capacity
• B. To allow programs to use more memory than physically available
• C. To encrypt data stored in memory
• D. To optimize CPU scheduling

Hint:

Virtual memory helps programs use more memory than the physical RAM by utilizing disk space as an extension of memory.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is B

Virtual memory allows an operating system to use hard disk space as an extension of RAM. This enables programs to use more memory than is physically available by swapping data between RAM and the disk as needed. It makes the system appear to have more memory than it physically does, enabling programs to run more efficiently even if physical memory is limited.
- To increase the physical RAM capacity (A) is incorrect, as virtual memory does not increase physical RAM, but rather extends the memory using disk space.
- To encrypt data stored in memory (C) is not the function of virtual memory. Encryption is typically handled by other security mechanisms.
- To optimize CPU scheduling (D) is unrelated to virtual memory, which focuses on memory management rather than CPU scheduling.
Thus, the correct answer is (B), allowing programs to use more memory than is physically available.