A page fault occurs when a program tries to access a block of memory that is not currently in physical memory, prompting the operating system to retrieve it from disk storage. This process is crucial for managing virtual memory, allowing systems to efficiently use RAM by loading only necessary data and swapping out less-used data to disk.

Page Fault

page fault

block of memory

Physical memory, often referred to as RAM, is the hardware component in a computer that stores data temporarily for quick access by the CPU, enabling efficient processing of tasks. It differs from storage memory in that it is volatile, meaning it loses its contents when the power is turned off, allowing for faster read and write speeds compared to non-volatile storage like hard drives or SSDs.

physical memory

An operating system (OS) is the fundamental software that manages computer hardware and software resources, providing common services for computer programs. It acts as an intermediary between users and the computer hardware, ensuring efficient execution of applications and user tasks.

operating system

disk storage

Virtual memory is a memory management technique that provides an 'idealized abstraction' of the storage resources available to a process, creating the illusion of a large, continuous memory space. It allows systems to use hardware and software to compensate for physical memory shortages, enabling efficient multitasking and isolation between processes.

Relevant Degrees

Your Lessons