AJEENKYA DY PATIL SCHOOL OF ENGINEEERING

(Polytechnic)
Department of Computer Engineering
SEMESTER-5th 2024-25

DEPARTMENT OF
COMPUTER ENGINEERING 2024-25
THIRD YEAR [5th Semester]
MICRO PROJECT REPORT OF
OPERATING SYSTEMS ON

Understanding Virtual Memory

in Operating Systems
SUBMITTED BY
NAME ROLL ENROLLMENT
NO. NO.
SATYAM GAGARE 19 2216490154
PRASAD THIKEKAR 20 2216490155
PRASAD SATHE 21 2216490157

UNDER THE GUIDANCE OF: MRS. MAYURI NARUDKAR

AJEENKYA DY PATIL SCHOOL OF ENGINEEERING
(Polytechnic)
Department of Computer Engineering
SEMESTER-5th 2024-25

CERTIFICATE
This is to certify that report entitled is “Understanding Virtual Memory in Operating
Systems” submitted in the partial fulfillment of requirement for the award of the
Diploma in Computer Engineering by Maharashtra State Board of
Technical Education as record of students' own work carried out by them under
the guidance and supervision at Ajeenkya DY Patil School Of Engineering
(Charholi), during the academic year 2024-25.

NAME ROLL ENROLLMENT

NO. NO.
SATYAM GAGARE 19 2216490154
PRASAD THIKEKAR 20 2216490155
PRASAD SATHE 21 2216490157

Place: Charholi (Bk)

Date: / / 2024.
Mrs.Mayuri Narudkar Mrs. Nita Pawar
Guide of Microproject Head Of Department
ACKNOWLEDGEMEMT

It is with profoundly sense of gratitude that we acknowledge from our

guide Mrs.Mayuri Narudkar She has been guide in the true sense of

word, a guide who satisfaction from our word & progress.

We are highly obliged to Mrs. Nita Pawar. .Head of Computer

Department for aberrance & good co-operation given to us for bringing

this project to almost standard.

We are grateful to our principal Dr. Nagesh Shelke for proceeding

acknowledgement to us in the connection of this project concluding.

We appreciate the assistance of all staff that helps us in for their sincere

& obliging help to make our project successfully.

 PART-A MICRO PROJECT PROPOSAL

1. Aim/Benefits of the Micro-Project: -

• To study and understand the concept of virtual memory in operating systems.

• To explore the key components of virtual memory, such as paging,

segmentation, and memory management techniques.

• To analyze the benefits and challenges of virtual memory in enhancing

system performance.

2. Intended Course Outcomes:

 Understand the basic concepts and mechanisms behind virtual memory in
operating systems.

 Analyze the structure and operation of virtual memory, including paging

and segmentation.

 Identify the advantages and limitations of virtual memory in modern

computing environments.

3. Proposed Methodology:
Research Key Concepts: Study virtual memory, focusing on paging,
segmentation, and memory management.
Data Collection: Gather information from reliable sources like
textbooks and research papers.
Analysis: Compare virtual memory implementations across different
operating systems.
Team Roles: Assign specific topics to team members.
Report Compilation: Summarize findings and recommendations in
the final report.
4. ACTION PLAN:
Sr. No. Details Of Planned Planned Name Of
Start Date End Date
Activity Responsible

Group Members

1 Satyam Gagare
Searching for the topic
Prasad Thikekar
2 Confirmed the topic we
searched for
Prasad Sathe
for the micro project

3 Collecting information

4 Making proposal

5 Testing and analysis of

test result

6 Preparation of final
project report

7 Final submission of the

project
5. Resources Required:
Sr.No Name Of The Specification
Resource/Material

1 Laptop Amd ryzen 5 9th gen

2 Chrome -

3 Microsoft word -

6. NAME OF THE TEAM MEMBER:

NAME ROLL NO. ENROLLMENT NO.

SATYAM GAGARE 19 2216490154

PRASAD THIKEKAR 20 2216490155

PRASAD SATHE 21 2216490157

Mrs.Mayuri Narudkar

(Project Guide)
Introduction

In computers, memory refers to the hardware components that store data

and instructions for the CPU to process. It comes in two main types: primary
memory (such as RAM) and secondary memory (like hard drives or SSDs).
Primary memory is fast and directly accessible by the CPU, storing data
temporarily while the system is running, while secondary memory stores data
more permanently but is slower to access. Efficient memory management is
critical for smooth multitasking and performance, ensuring that both data and
programs can be accessed quickly when needed.

Virtual memory is a memory management technique that allows a computer to

use more memory than is physically available by combining RAM with disk
space. The operating system creates a virtual address space, mapping parts of
programs and data to physical memory (RAM) and secondary storage (like hard
drives or SSDs). This enables systems to run larger applications or multiple
programs simultaneously, even if the available physical memory is limited.

Importance in Modern Operating Systems:

• Efficient Multitasking: Virtual memory allows multiple programs to

run smoothly by providing each process with its own memory space.

• Memory Optimization: It makes better use of physical memory by

only loading the necessary data into RAM and swapping unused data to
disk.

• Running Large Applications: Programs that require more memory

than physically available can still execute efficiently by utilizing virtual
memory.

• Isolation and Security: Each process operates in its own virtual

space, preventing interference from other processes and
enhancing security.
The concept of virtual memory originated in the 1960s to address the
limitations of early computer systems with limited physical memory (RAM).
Initially, computers required programs to fit entirely within available memory,
restricting multitasking and efficiency.

Origins and Development:

1. Early Limitations: Fixed memory allocation in early systems made it

difficult to run complex programs simultaneously.

2. Innovative Solutions: Researchers developed paging and

segmentation techniques to divide programs into smaller parts, allowing
only the necessary portions to load into RAM while keeping the rest on
disk.

3. First Implementation: The Atlas Computer at the University of

Manchester was one of the first to use virtual memory, combining
hardware and software for effective memory management.

4. Standardization: By the late 1960s, operating systems like Multics

and Unix adopted virtual memory, leading to its widespread use in
modern computing.
Overview of Virtual Memory

Virtual memory is a crucial memory management technique used in modern

operating systems to extend the apparent amount of available memory beyond
the physical limits of RAM. It allows the system to efficiently manage memory
allocation and enables multitasking and larger applications to run
simultaneously.

How Virtual Memory Works: Mapping Logical to Physical

Memory

Virtual memory operates through a systematic process of mapping logical

addresses (used by applications) to physical addresses (actual locations in
RAM). Here’s a step-by-step breakdown of how this mapping works:

1. Logical Address Space

• Each process is assigned a logical address space, which appears as a

continuous range of memory addresses. This space is what the application
uses for its memory operations.

2. Physical Address Space

• This represents the actual memory addresses in the system's RAM. The
operating system manages this space, allocating it to processes as needed.

3. Translation Mechanism

• The operating system maintains a page table for each process. This table
records the mapping between logical addresses (pages) and their
corresponding physical addresses (page frames).

4. Address Translation Process

• When a program accesses a memory address:

1. The CPU generates a logical address.

 2. The Memory Management Unit (MMU) translates this logical
address into a physical address using the page table.

3. If the requested page is not currently in RAM (resulting in a page

fault), the operating system retrieves it from disk storage and
updates the page table.

5. Paging Mechanism

• The logical address space is divided into fixed-size units called pages,
while the physical memory is divided into page frames of the same size.

• When a process needs to access a specific page, the OS loads it into an

available page frame in physical memory.

6. Segmentation (Optional)

• In systems that use segmentation, the logical memory is divided into

variable-sized segments based on the program's logical structure (e.g.,
functions, arrays).

• Each segment is then mapped to physical memory, providing more logical

organization.

7. Demand Paging

• The operating system implements demand paging, where pages are

loaded into RAM only when they are requested by the process, which
optimizes memory usage.

8. Handling Page Faults

• When a page fault occurs (the requested page is not in RAM):

o The OS identifies the required page.

o It may swap out a less frequently used page (if memory is full) to
make room.
 o The required page is loaded from disk into RAM, and the page
table is updated to reflect the new mapping.

Importance of Virtual Memory in Multitasking

1. Concurrent Process Execution:

o Virtual memory enables multiple processes to run simultaneously,

allowing users to switch between applications seamlessly.

2. Isolation of Processes:

o Each process operates in its own virtual memory space, preventing

interference and enhancing stability. A crash in one process does
not affect others.

3. Support for Large Applications:

o Virtual memory allows memory-intensive applications to run, even

when they exceed available physical memory, making it possible to
execute complex software.

4. Error Containment:

o Virtual memory isolates faults, ensuring that issues in one process

do not disrupt the overall system, leading to greater reliability.

Importance of Virtual Memory in Multitasking

1. Concurrent Process Execution:

o Virtual memory enables multiple processes to run simultaneously,

allowing users to switch between applications seamlessly.

2. Isolation of Processes:

o Each process operates in its own virtual memory space, preventing

interference and enhancing stability. A crash in one process does
not affect others.
 3. Support for Large Applications:

o Virtual memory allows memory-intensive applications to run, even

when they exceed available physical memory, making it possible to
execute complex software.

4. Error Containment:

o Virtual memory isolates faults, ensuring that issues in one process

do not disrupt the overall system, leading to greater reliability.

Importance of Virtual Memory in Resource Management

1. Efficient Resource Utilization:

o Virtual memory optimizes physical memory usage by allowing

processes to use more memory than is physically available, loading
only necessary program parts.

2. Demand Paging:

o Pages are loaded into memory only when needed, minimizing

RAM usage and enabling more applications to run simultaneously.

3. Automatic Memory Management:

o The OS manages memory allocation and deallocation

automatically, preventing memory leaks and ensuring efficient
resource allocation.

4. Performance Optimization:

o By reducing excessive swapping between RAM and disk, virtual

memory maintains performance levels even under heavy
workloads.
Key Components of Virtual Memory

1. Paging

Explanation: Paging is a memory management technique that divides the

logical address space of a process into fixed-size blocks called pages and the
physical memory into page frames. This method avoids the complications of
contiguous memory allocation and fragmentation.

Division of Memory:

• Pages typically range from 4 KB to 64 KB in size.

• When a program runs, its pages can be mapped to any available page
frames in RAM, allowing for non-contiguous storage.

• Page Replacement: When RAM is full, the OS uses page replacement

algorithms (like Least Recently Used or FIFO) to decide which page to
evict for new pages.

2. Segmentation

Organization of Memory:

• Segmentation divides the logical address space into variable-sized

segments based on program structure. Common segments include:

o Code Segment: Contains executable code.

o Data Segment: Holds global and static variables.

o Heap Segment: Used for dynamic memory allocation.

o Stack Segment: Used for function calls and local variables.

Each segment is identified by a segment number and an offset. This

organization aligns with how programs are structured, making it easier to
manage resources and access control.
3. Page Tables

Role in Address Translation:

• The page table is a crucial data structure maintained by the OS to map

virtual addresses to physical addresses.

• Each process has its own page table that contains entries mapping each
page to its corresponding frame in physical memory.

• Each entry includes:

o Frame number of the physical memory.

o Status bits (valid/invalid, dirty, accessed).

When a logical address is accessed, the CPU consults the page table. If the entry
is invalid, a page fault occurs, prompting the OS to load the page from disk.

4. TLB (Translation Lookaside Buffer)

Speeding Up Address Translation:

• The TLB is a small cache in the CPU that stores recent virtual-to-physical
address translations.

• When the CPU generates a virtual address, it first checks the TLB for a
cached translation (a TLB hit). If found, access is quick; if not (a TLB
miss), the system accesses the page table, which is slower.

• The TLB uses its own replacement policy (like Least Recently Used) to
keep frequently accessed entries available.
Memory Management Techniques

1. Demand Paging

Definition: Demand paging is a memory management technique that loads pages into
physical memory only when they are needed by a running process. Instead of loading an
entire program into RAM, only the necessary pages are loaded, optimizing memory usage.

How It Works:

• When a program accesses a page that is not currently in memory, a page fault occurs.
The operating system handles this fault by retrieving the required page from
secondary storage (usually a hard drive or SSD) and loading it into RAM.

• This approach minimizes the amount of physical memory needed at any given time,
allowing more processes to run concurrently, even if their total memory requirements
exceed physical RAM.

• Demand paging enhances efficiency by reducing the initial loading time for
applications and ensuring that only actively used pages consume memory resources.

Benefits:

• Reduced Memory Usage: By loading only the required pages, demand paging
significantly reduces the overall memory footprint.

• Improved Performance: Applications can start faster since not all pages need to
be loaded upfront.

• Enhanced Multitasking: More processes can run simultaneously, leading to

better resource utilization.

2. Swapping

Definition: Swapping is a memory management technique that involves moving processes

between RAM and disk storage to free up physical memory. This is often necessary when the
system runs out of RAM and needs to allocate memory to new or higher-priority processes.

How It Works:
 • When the operating system needs to free up memory, it can swap out a process that is
currently in RAM to a designated area on the disk (swap space or swap file). This
allows new processes or pages to be loaded into RAM.

• When the swapped-out process is needed again, it is swapped back into RAM,
potentially evicting another process.

• The process of swapping is managed by the operating system, which maintains

information about which processes are in RAM and which are on disk.

Benefits:

• Increased System Flexibility: Swapping allows the system to handle more

processes than can fit in physical memory at once.

• Resource Management: It prioritizes active processes, ensuring that critical tasks

have the necessary memory resources.

• Responsive Performance: Users can continue working without significant

delays, as the system dynamically manages memory allocation.

3. Page Replacement Algorithms

Definition: Page replacement algorithms are techniques used by the operating system to
manage memory when a page fault occurs and the physical memory is full. These algorithms
determine which page to evict from RAM to make space for a new page.

Common Algorithms:

• First-In, First-Out (FIFO):

o The oldest page in memory is replaced first. This algorithm is straightforward

but can lead to suboptimal performance, as it does not consider the actual
usage of pages.

• Least Recently Used (LRU):

o This algorithm replaces the page that has not been used for the longest period.
LRU is more effective than FIFO because it bases its decisions on the most
recent access patterns, thus better reflecting the working set of the program.

• Optimal Page Replacement:

 o The optimal algorithm replaces the page that will not be used for the longest
time in the future. While it provides the best performance, it is not practical for
real-world systems, as it requires future knowledge of page references.

Benefits of Page Replacement Algorithms:

• Efficient Memory Utilization: These algorithms help maintain the performance

of applications by ensuring that frequently accessed pages remain in memory.

• Improved System Performance: By optimizing which pages are kept in RAM,

the algorithms reduce the number of page faults, leading to faster execution of
processes.

• Tailored Resource Management: Different algorithms can be chosen based on

the specific workload and usage patterns, allowing for customized performance
tuning.
Advantages of Virtual Memory

1. Efficient Use of Memory

Definition: Virtual memory allows the operating system to use physical memory (RAM)
more efficiently by abstracting the memory management process.

How It Works:

• Virtual memory creates an illusion for applications that they have access
to a large, contiguous block of memory, even if the physical memory is
limited. This abstraction allows the system to allocate memory more
flexibly and avoid fragmentation issues.

• By loading only the necessary pages into RAM and using demand paging,
the operating system ensures that memory is utilized only for active
processes. Inactive pages can reside on disk until needed.

Benefits:

• Optimized Resource Allocation: The ability to swap pages in and out of

RAM means that memory resources are allocated based on current needs
rather than static allocations.

• Minimized Fragmentation: Virtual memory helps to prevent memory

fragmentation, a common problem in traditional memory management.
This leads to more efficient use of available memory.

• Cost-Effective: Organizations can run more applications concurrently

without needing to invest in additional physical memory, thus optimizing
hardware investments.

2. Multitasking Support

Definition: Virtual memory significantly enhances multitasking capabilities

within an operating system, allowing multiple processes to run simultaneously
without interference.

How It Works:
 • Each process is given its own virtual address space, allowing it to operate
independently from others. The operating system manages these spaces,
ensuring that processes do not access each other’s memory.

• The ability to swap processes in and out of RAM without stopping them
allows the OS to maintain a responsive user experience, even when
running multiple applications.

Benefits:

• Improved System Responsiveness: Users can run multiple applications

at once (e.g., web browser, word processor, and music player) without
noticeable slowdowns, leading to a seamless multitasking experience.

• Enhanced User Experience: The system can prioritize foreground

applications while managing background processes effectively, ensuring
that user-facing applications respond quickly.

• Better Resource Utilization: Virtual memory allows for more efficient

use of CPU and RAM, as the system can actively manage which
processes to load into memory based on current usage patterns.

3. Running Large Programs on Systems with Limited Physical Memory

Definition: Virtual memory enables the execution of large applications on

computers that may not have enough physical memory to accommodate them
fully.

How It Works:

• Virtual memory allows systems to utilize disk space as an extension of

RAM, effectively increasing the available memory for applications. This
is particularly beneficial for applications with high memory demands,
such as databases, graphic design software, or complex simulations.

• When a large program is executed, only the essential components are

loaded into physical memory initially. The rest can be loaded on demand
as the program runs, allowing for functionality that would otherwise be
impossible on systems with limited RAM.
Benefits:

• Expanded Application Capabilities: Users can run resource-intensive

applications on machines with less RAM, allowing for more versatility in
the software that can be used.

• Cost Efficiency: Users do not need to invest in upgrading their hardware

to meet application requirements, making virtual memory a cost-effective
solution for running modern applications.

• Enhanced Development Opportunities: Developers can design larger

and more complex applications without worrying about the physical
memory limitations of their users' systems.
Challenges and Limitations of Virtual Memory
1. Overhead Due to Page Table Management

Definition: Managing page tables incurs a certain amount of overhead, which

can impact system performance.

How It Works:

• Each process running in an operating system has its own page table that
maps virtual addresses to physical addresses. When a process needs to
access memory, the operating system must check the corresponding entry
in the page table.

• The size of the page table can grow significantly with larger address
spaces, especially in systems with many processes or large amounts of
virtual memory.

Challenges:

• Increased Memory Usage: The page table itself occupies memory.

For systems with limited RAM, this can lead to inefficiencies, especially
if page tables are large relative to the actual working set of the processes.

• Frequent Context Switching: When the CPU switches between

processes, it must update the page table to reflect the current process's
mappings. This context switching can introduce latency, as the overhead
associated with managing multiple page tables accumulates.

Impact on Performance:

• The added overhead can lead to slower performance, particularly in

memory-intensive applications or systems that require frequent switching
between processes. Efficient management of page tables is crucial to
minimizing this overhead.

2. Possible Slowdowns Due to Excessive Swapping (Thrashing)

Definition: Thrashing occurs when a system spends more time swapping
pages in and out of memory than executing actual processes, resulting in
significant slowdowns.

How It Works:

• When the system runs low on physical memory, it may resort to excessive
swapping to accommodate active processes. If too many processes are
active and competing for limited RAM, the operating system
continuously swaps pages, causing a severe performance drop.

• As pages are repeatedly swapped in and out, the CPU remains busy
managing these operations rather than executing the application
instructions.

Challenges:

• Performance Degradation: Thrashing can lead to a scenario where

the system becomes almost unresponsive, as the overhead of managing
memory takes precedence over executing tasks. Users may experience
delays and unresponsiveness.

• Resource Starvation: Critical processes may be deprived of the

memory resources they need, leading to crashes or failures. In severe
cases, the operating system may struggle to maintain stability.

Impact on Performance:

• To mitigate thrashing, it is essential for the system to maintain a balance

between the number of processes running and the available physical
memory. Proper tuning and monitoring of resource allocation are
necessary to avoid this situation.

3. Resource Consumption

Definition: Virtual memory management consumes additional resources, including CPU

cycles and disk space, which can impact overall system performance.
How It Works:

• The process of managing virtual memory requires CPU resources to handle page
faults, manage page tables, and execute page replacement algorithms. Each of these
tasks consumes CPU cycles, which could otherwise be allocated to executing
applications.

• Additionally, virtual memory relies on disk space for swap files or swap partitions. If
the disk becomes full or nearly full, system performance can degrade, leading to
increased latency.

Challenges:

• Increased CPU Overhead: Constantly handling page faults and updating

page tables increases CPU load. This overhead can be particularly detrimental in
systems running on limited hardware resources, where CPU cycles are at a premium.

• Disk I/O Bottlenecks: Excessive use of swap space can lead to increased disk
I/O, resulting in bottlenecks that slow down system performance. This can be
especially problematic in systems with slower hard drives compared to RAM speeds.

Impact on Performance:

• While virtual memory provides significant benefits, it is crucial to consider the trade-
offs in resource consumption. Striking a balance between efficient memory
management and resource utilization is essential for maintaining system performance.
Virtual Memory in Different Operating Systems

1. Windows

Overview: Windows operating systems utilize a paging system for

managing virtual memory. The memory management architecture is
designed to provide efficient memory utilization while ensuring
system stability and performance.

Key Features:

• Page File: Windows uses a page file (often called pagefile.sys)

on the hard disk to serve as an extension of physical memory.
When RAM is full, the system moves inactive pages to the page
file.

• Lazy Loading: Windows employs lazy loading for DLLs

(Dynamic Link Libraries), where modules are loaded into
memory only when needed, further optimizing memory usage.

• Memory Management Policies: The Windows Memory

Manager uses various algorithms, such as the Least Recently
Used (LRU) algorithm for page replacement, to determine
which pages to swap in and out of physical memory.

Benefits:

• Dynamic Memory Allocation: Windows dynamically allocates

memory based on application needs, allowing for efficient
multitasking.

• System Stability: The page file allows Windows to handle

memory overflow gracefully, reducing the chances of
application crashes due to insufficient memory.
2. Linux

Overview: Linux employs a sophisticated virtual memory

management system based on demand paging. It provides flexibility
and performance across various distributions.

Key Features:

• Swapping: Linux uses swap space (a dedicated area on the hard

disk) to manage memory. Similar to Windows, it moves inactive
pages from RAM to the swap space when physical memory is
low.

• Page Tables: Each process has its own set of page tables that
Linux manages through a hierarchical structure, optimizing
memory access and reducing overhead.

• Advanced Page Replacement Algorithms: Linux utilizes

various algorithms, including LRU and its own "Clock"
algorithm, which efficiently handles memory paging and ensures
optimal performance.

Benefits:

• Efficient Resource Management: Linux’s memory

management allows for effective utilization of RAM and disk
space, promoting system stability.

• Support for Multiple Applications: The Linux virtual memory

system enables users to run multiple applications simultaneously
without performance degradation, enhancing the user
experience.
3. macOS

Overview: macOS, built on a UNIX-based foundation, implements

virtual memory through a combination of paging and segmentation. It
focuses on providing a seamless experience for users and applications.

Key Features:

• Memory Compression: macOS employs a memory

compression technique, allowing the system to store more data
in physical memory by compressing inactive pages, reducing
reliance on disk swapping.

• Unified Memory Architecture: The memory architecture in

macOS is designed to optimize memory access across multiple
processes, ensuring that resources are shared efficiently.

• Dynamic Paging: The macOS kernel dynamically manages

paging, moving data between RAM and the swap file (swapfile)
on disk as needed, minimizing performance impacts during
memory-intensive tasks.

Benefits:

• Improved Performance: Memory compression and unified

memory architecture enhance performance, allowing macOS to
handle high workloads effectively.

• User Experience: By optimizing memory usage and minimizing

reliance on disk I/O, macOS provides a smooth and responsive
user experience, even with demanding applications.
Case Study or Practical Examples

Real-World Example of Virtual Memory in Action

Scenario: Running Multiple Applications Simultaneously Consider

a user who frequently runs multiple applications on their computer, such as a
web browser with numerous tabs open, a word processor, and a graphic design
tool. Each of these applications demands a significant amount of memory,
especially when dealing with high-resolution images or large documents.

How Virtual Memory Works in This Scenario:

1. Memory Allocation: As the user opens these applications, the

operating system allocates memory to each application based on its
requirements. If the total memory demand exceeds the physical RAM
available, the OS will begin using virtual memory to compensate.

2. Paging in Action: The operating system uses a paging mechanism to

swap out less frequently used pages of memory from the active
applications into the disk-based page file. For instance, if the graphic
design tool is not being actively edited, its pages may be temporarily
moved to the page file, freeing up RAM for the word processor and
browser.

3. Seamless User Experience: Despite using virtual memory, the user

continues to work efficiently. When the user switches back to the graphic
design application, the OS retrieves the necessary pages from the page
file and loads them back into RAM, allowing the user to resume their
work without noticeable delay.

Outcome: This example demonstrates how virtual memory allows for

efficient multitasking and resource management. Users can run resource-
intensive applications simultaneously without requiring an enormous amount of
physical memory, showcasing the effectiveness of virtual memory in modern
operating systems.

Diagrams Illustrating Paging and Segmentation

1. Paging Diagram:
 • Description: A diagram showing the relationship between virtual
memory and physical memory, divided into fixed-size blocks called
pages.

• Elements: The diagram should depict:

o Virtual Memory divided into pages (e.g., Page 0, Page 1, Page 2).

o Physical Memory divided into frames (e.g., Frame 0, Frame 1,

Frame 2).

o Mapping of virtual pages to physical frames, illustrating which

virtual page is currently stored in which physical frame.

o An example page table mapping virtual pages to physical frames,

indicating the presence or absence of pages (e.g., valid/invalid
bits).

2. Segmentation Diagram:

• Description: A diagram illustrating segmentation, where memory is

divided into segments of varying sizes based on the logical structure of a
program.

• Elements: The diagram should depict:

o Segments (e.g., Segment 0 for code, Segment 1 for data, Segment 2

for stack).

o Each segment should show its size and base address in physical
memory.

o A segment table mapping logical segment numbers to physical

addresses.

o Indication of how the logical address space is segmented, allowing

for flexible memory management based on program needs.
Conclusion

This report examined the crucial role of virtual memory in modern

operating systems. We defined virtual memory as a technique that
extends physical memory, enabling the execution of larger
applications and efficient multitasking by providing the illusion of a
larger, continuous memory space.

We discussed essential components, including paging, segmentation,

and memory management techniques like demand paging and
swapping. A comparative analysis of Windows, Linux, and macOS
highlighted their unique implementations and strategies for
optimizing memory usage while maintaining system performance.

Through a real-world example, we demonstrated how virtual memory

facilitates seamless user experiences, allowing multiple applications
to run concurrently without overwhelming physical memory.
Diagrams illustrating paging and segmentation reinforced these
concepts.

In summary, virtual memory is vital for maximizing physical memory

utilization and enhancing system responsiveness. It plays a crucial
role in accommodating complex applications and multitasking,
making it an essential aspect of effective computing in today’s
resource-demanding environment. As technology continues to
advance, the significance of virtual memory will only grow,
underscoring its importance in modern computing.
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