Users of personal computers should know that there is not one, but several types of memory. Elementary concepts about this are instilled in us at the first lessons of computer science at school. So, many probably remember that in addition to the computer's RAM, there is also virtual memory. This concept is inherent in most modern operating systems. Its wide distribution is easily explained by low cost and at the same time considerable advantages. After all, virtual memory helps to increase the performance of the central processor without extra costs. What is she like?
Currently, many computers use 32 or 64 megabytes of RAM. For the simultaneous execution of many programs, this is a disastrously small amount. We are used to doing several things at the same time, and therefore often launch the browser along with the mail services, adding a music player and a text editor. Launched all together, these programs cause a large load on the processor, and there is not enough RAM for them. If there weren’t a virtual analogue in the system, you would have to close unnecessary processes.
Principle of operation
The essence of virtual memory in this case is as follows: the computer searches in RAM for data that has not been used for a long time, and creates copies of it on the hard drive. This, in turn, will free up additional space, which will be used to download new programs and applications. The process of copying takes place automatically, which means that users are not even aware of this. Or they think that the memory in their computer will be enough for another hundred or two applications. In fact, every virtual memory call reduces performance.
If this happens infrequently, the owner of the computer simply does not notice the braking of the machine. But the constant use of virtual memory can significantly affect the work. Therefore, such an important condition for good performance was and will be the amount of “RAM”. If it is enough, then slowing down is less harmful: we see only a small pause when changing tasks. Also, to preserve performance and privacy, users need to know how to clear virtual memory.
Why is it necessary
When working, virtual memory uses the so-called swap file. It stores all the collected data about the computer and its owner. This is quite risky, since especially dangerous viruses can get to it. Therefore, in order to prevent undesirable consequences and protect yourself from the threat, it is so important to remember how to clean virtual memory. It is best to do this periodically.
How to clear virtual memory of Windows XP
This system has a function that allows you to automatically clear the memory, but it is initially disabled. In order not to carry out the tedious procedure manually (especially since you have to do it all the time), it is most reasonable to use this built-in function. So how to clear virtual memory on a Windows system.
First you need to go through the start menu to the control panel. There we will need the “administration” icon. Double-clicking on it with the left mouse button opens a new window. In it, you need to find the local security policy tab and click on it. The window that opens will be called “Local Security Settings”. In it, we again choose local policies and security settings.
Here you need to pay attention to the option "Shutdown: cleaning the page file of virtual memory." By right-clicking on it, we select properties. There are only two positions, change to on and save your choice. Now we know how to clear virtual memory. It remains to restart the computer two times (!) For the changes to take effect: then the page file will be automatically cleaned.