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What is Virtual Memory?Virtual memory allows the operating system to look at RAM for areas that have not been used recently and copy them onto the hard disk. This then frees up space in RAM to load a new application. Virtual memory is also known as "swap space" because of the page file extension on a Windows operating system is
.swp. Because memory swapping occurs behind the scenes, often you won't even realize that it is happening.
Can Virtual Memory Help with Shortage of Memory Issues?In some situations, yes. When you try to initialize an extremely large array in LabVIEW, you might receive a
Memory is full error. This can occur because LabVIEW cannot locate a large block of continuous memory in RAM. Setting your virtual memory correctly may allow you to initialize the array by enabling LabVIEW to access the continuous block in virtual memory.
How Can I Configure Virtual Memory?Configuring Virtual Memory is a little different in each Windows operating system
- Win 98 - From the Windows Control Panel, double-click the System icon. Navigate to the Performance tab and click the Virtual Memory button. Select Let me specify my own virtual memory settings and specify the minimum and maximum amount of space you want to dedicate to virtual memory. Restart the PC to update the settings.
- Win 2000 - From the Windows Control Panel, double-click the System icon. Navigate to the Advanced tab and click the Performance Options button. Click the Change button. Set the Initial size and the Maximum size by modifying the numbers and clicking the Set button. Restart the PC to update the settings.
- Win XP - From the Windows Control Panel, double-click the System icon. Navigate to the Advanced tab and click the Settings button in the Performance section. Navigate to the Advanced tab and click the Change button in the Virtual Memory section. Set the Initial size and the Maximum size by modifying the numbers and clicking the Set button. Restart the PC to update the settings.
- Windows Vista - From the Control Panel, select System and Maintenance»System. In the left pane, click Advanced system settings. In the Advanced tab, under Performance, click Settings. Click the Advanced tab, and under Virtual memory click Change. Restart the PC to update the settings.
- Windows 7 - Click Start, then right-click My Computer and select Properties. In the left pane, click Advanced system settings. In the Advanced tab, under Performance, click Settings. Click the Advanced tab, and under Virtual memory click Change. Restart the PC to update the settings.