What is Virtual Memory?

Question

hi there,   Recently occured this msg ' your virtual memory too low' when I was viewing some photos with Picasa2 software.   What is this stand for?   Why is that happened?   My current virtual memory is set at 384mb. Should I improve it to greater number?   Thank you

SR45 · Answer

When windows runs out of your main memory, that you have on your system, the hard drive will take over, and provide additional memory ( Virtual memory ) as needed for any program. If it is set too low ( Virtual memory ) than you will get this error message. http://www.google.com/search?hl=en&lr=&oi=defmore&q=define:Virtual+Memory This link will give you an idea of what Virtual memory is. Your virtual memory should either be set by windows xp or you need to increase it by 1.5 times the memory you have on your system, IE : 512 mb of main memory = 768 virtual memory. This can be set to min. and max. in the boxes provided if you wish.

Windows XP likes 512 mb of memory for itself to run at its best. Your anti virus and other programs also take memory and if you do not have enough, than the error message will appear when other applications need memory and all the memory is being used and the virtual memory was set too low.

Other members may have a better answer than me, but you get the idea..

Dim 4400 ( 2002 )
2.6 Ghz
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1 Gb DDR 2100
Windows XP Home
SP-2
1703 FP LCD monitor
PC-Cillin Internet Security.

Message Edited by SR45 on 04-15-2005 09:59 AM

tony merc · Answer

You fail to mention what operating system you are using and how much memory you have installed. If you have only 256MB installed and you are using XP that is not enough memory. While XP can function with 256MB it will function much better with 512MB.

Most programs you use to view or enhance digital photos will consume a lot of memory. 1GB of memory will not be to much for this type of application. If you increase your memory you will never see the warning for low virtual memory again. Of course if you increase you virtual memory you will not get that warning either but you will degrade your computers performance.

tony merc

devus · Answer

yup, exactly. I'm using XP and only 256mb of ram...:smileyindifferent:... I think the same way in upgrading my ram... thanks a lot!

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What is Virtual Memory?

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