Virtual memory - GCSE Computer Science Definition

Virtual memory is a clever way for a computer to use more memory than it actually has. Imagine if your computer's RAM (the fast memory inside your computer) is like your desk where you do your homework. Sometimes, your desk might get too full with papers, and you need more space. Virtual memory is like having an extra drawer. When the desk (or RAM) is full, the computer moves some information it's not using right away into this "drawer" on the hard drive, which is called a "swap file" or "page file." This way, the computer can keep working on lots of tasks even if the RAM runs out of space. However, using hard drive space is much slower than using RAM, so it's not as quick, but it's still a useful trick to manage big tasks.