What is virtual memory?

Virtual memory is a memory management capability of an operating system that allows a computer to compensate for physical memory shortages by temporarily transferring data from random access memory (RAM) to disk storage. This process enables the system to run larger applications or multiple applications simultaneously even if the actual physical RAM is limited.

By utilizing disk space to extend the apparent RAM, virtual memory creates an illusion for the user and applications that there is a larger memory space available than is physically present. This is achieved through a technique called paging, where the operating system moves data back and forth between RAM and the disk as needed, making it possible for processes to access more memory than what is physically installed.

In contrast to this correct answer, the other options do not accurately describe the concept of virtual memory. The idea of memory existing only in a digital environment does not capture the functionality of memory management that virtual memory provides. Labeling virtual memory as a type of cache memory misrepresents its purpose; cache memory is a faster type of volatile memory used to speed up data access, rather than extending RAM capabilities. Lastly, stating that virtual memory cannot be accessed by the CPU is incorrect, as the CPU does access virtual memory, with the operating system managing which data is currently in physical RAM and which