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What are Real Memory and Physical Memory?
Have you ever wondered how a computer is able to remember and store all the data you give it? This is made possible by a crucial component known as computer memory. However, computer memory can be a complex topic to understand, especially when it comes to differentiating between real memory and physical memory. To help you grasp these concepts, let’s break them down in a simple and easy-to-understand way.
Real Memory
Real memory, also known as virtual memory or logical memory, is the memory space that a computer’s operating system assigns to each running program or user. In simpler terms, it is the amount of memory that a program can access when it is in use. Real memory plays a vital role in the overall performance of a computer system.
When a program is running, it needs to store and retrieve data in real-time, and that data needs to be stored in a memory location accessible to the program. Real memory acts as a virtualized representation of physical memory, allowing multiple programs to run simultaneously, even if the physical memory is limited.
Physical Memory
Physical memory, also known as main memory or RAM (Random Access Memory), is the actual hardware component inside a computer that stores data and instructions that are actively being used by the computer’s processor. It is the tangible memory hardware, made up of integrated circuits, capable of storing and accessing data quickly.
When you open a program or a file, it is loaded into the computer’s physical memory, allowing the processor to quickly access and interact with the data. The size of the physical memory determines how many programs can run simultaneously and how efficiently they can perform.
Difference between Real Memory and Physical Memory
To summarize, real memory is the memory space allocated to each program, assigning a virtualized address space that allows the program to access data while it is running. On the other hand, physical memory is the actual hardware component where the data and instructions actively being used by the computer’s processor are stored.
In simple terms, imagine real memory as the address space given to each program, and physical memory as the hardware drawer where the program’s data is physically stored. The real memory provides an abstraction layer that allows the computer to handle more processes than the available physical memory may permit.
In conclusion, real memory and physical memory are two different concepts but are closely connected when it comes to a computer’s overall performance and the ability to run multiple programs simultaneously. Understanding the difference between these concepts is crucial for troubleshooting and optimizing computer systems.
Remember, computer memory is the backbone of any computer system, and knowing how it works can greatly enhance your understanding of how data is stored and processed.
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