virtual memory & RAM

[jerlaw]

What is the difference between virtual memory & RAM (random access memory)?

[Simeon]

RAM is an actual memory chip where as virtual memory is a portion of the hard drive assisgned to behave like RAM. Sorry but thats the best way I can describe it without getting super geeky.

[jerlaw]

Hi Simeon; thanks for your explanation. Woul;d it be true to say that RAM is the total amount of memory on your PC & that virtual memory is used to give you enough memory to open several programs at a time. Also, does this have anything to do with CPUs?

[Simeon]

When a PC refers to Total physical Memory then yes it is reffering to RAM. Virtual memory is used to act as a buffer for programs and works hand in hand with the physical memory. You may find reference to term called paging file, this is the same virtual memory. No memory is independant of CPUs

[jerlaw]

Thank you very much Simeon; I think I get the idea better now, or at least I'm on the right track