Virtual Memory question

[Disney Wrassler]

Okay I am somewhat illiterate with computers. What is a computers Virtual Memory?

For the last two nights that I played RCT3 and exited the game completly, a small icon popped up saying that I was low on virtual memory but it was trying to find ways to get the memory back. So what is Virtual Memory, why is it low, and how can I make it better?

[Ward]

It's a resource game that the OS plays with both your 'real' memory and the space available on your hard drive.

Depending on your OS, you can sometimes adjust how much hard disk space is made available for virtual memory. This can help in the execution of resource hog programs (like games).

[Crazy Legs]

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Virtual_memory

or

http://computer.howstuffworks.com/virtual-memory.htm

[Disney Wrassler]

So basically when the game is out, the Virtual Memory will return back to normal right? And we can also possibly adjust our computer to have more virtual memory?

[Ward]

ehhh, maybe.

CL's links explain it a whole lot better. Basically, it depends on the OS. Check with the one you're running for a clearer answer.

However, the best fix is usually to throw as much (real) memory on the PC as it can hold/access.

[Monorail Man]

So basically when the game is out, the Virtual Memory will return back to normal right? And we can also possibly adjust our computer to have more virtual memory?

Yes, but for more efficiency (so Windows doesn't keep resizing it, causing you to lose performance), set it yourself:

1. Right click My Computer
2. Select Properties
3. Click the "Advanced" tab.
4. Click 'Settings' button under Performance.
5. Click the "Advanced Tab"
6. Click "Change"
7. Now type the same thing in the "Initial Size" and "Maximum Size" boxes. Generally, you want this number to be 1.5 times your total system physical RAM. So if you have 512MB, set both to 768.
8. Click 'Set'.
9. Click OK, then restart.

If the size you selected is too small, Windows will still resize it. However, 1.5 is the sweet-spot when it comes to Virtual Memory.