What is the difference between RAM and virtual memory?

What is the difference between RAM and virtual memory?

RAM (Random Access Memory) is the physical memory in your computer that stores data temporarily for quick access. Virtual memory, on the other hand, is a memory management capability that uses a portion of your hard drive to extend the apparent amount of RAM available.

So, does that mean virtual memory is slower than RAM?

Yes, exactly! Virtual memory is slower because it relies on the hard drive, which has slower read/write speeds compared to RAM.

Why would a computer use virtual memory instead of just having more RAM?

Virtual memory allows a computer to run larger applications or multiple applications simultaneously, even if the physical RAM is limited. It helps prevent crashes and improves multitasking.

Are there any downsides to using virtual memory?

Yes, the main downside is performance. If a system relies too heavily on virtual memory, it can lead to slower performance, known as 'thrashing', where the system spends more time swapping data than executing tasks.