1.2.1b Memory Management: Paging, Segmentation and Virtual Memory

Modern operating systems use memory management to keep programs running efficiently. In this topic, you will explore how paging and segmentation organise data in memory, and how virtual memory extends RAM using secondary storage when physical memory is limited.

Activity 1: Virtual Memory Paging Simulation

Task: select one or more unused pages, then drag the selected group between RAM and Virtual Memory (HDD). Capacity rules are enforced.

Time: 00s
Score: 0

RAM

0/15 pages used Drag selected pages here to page in

Virtual Memory On HDD

0/15 pages used Drag selected pages here to page out

Click pages to multi-select, then drag one selected page to move the group.

Legend

Iterations (for/while)

Conditions (if/then/else)

Other commands

Part A

Explain the concept of virtual memory, why it is needed, and how it is used.

Part B

Explain what thrashing is.

Activity 2i: Paging Or Segmentation?

Identify which technique the current illustration represents, then justify your choice.

RAM

This illustration shows:

Activity 2ii: Paging Or Segmentation?

Identify which technique the current illustration represents, then justify your choice.

RAM

Segment A
A1-A7 together
Segment B
B1-B11 together
Segment C
C1-C5 together
This illustration shows:

Download Your Completed Response Sheet

Generate a PDF with your answers and current memory-state diagram for submission.