Why do I get the message about extending my virtual memory
There is two types of memory in your system. There is actual memory and then there is virtual.
Difference between actual and virtual
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Actual memory - is the amount of memory that is actually installed. This is tangible. Another words, you can actually touch it. If you open your computer, you can remove the memory. For information on memory, click here.
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Virtual memory - This is portion of your hard drive that is set aside to help with memory in the event you use up the memory in your system. This is slower than actual memory. This is not tangible You cannot touch it. The amount of virtual memory available can be different depending on your hard drive size and free space.
Here is an example of actual and virtual memory
Coffee cup and saucer - The coffee cup is the memory. The saucer is the virtual memory. If you pour a half of cup of coffee, you will have a half of cup left. If you pour too much coffee in the cup, it will overflow into the saucer. The saucer will keep the coffee from ending up on the table unless you fill more than what it can hold. If you get a bigger cup then the chances are less that you have to use the saucer.
When you get the message that your virtual memory is low, it means that you have used up your memory and using the virtual memory that is on the hard drive.
Getting virtual memory is low does not necessarily mean you need to go out and buy more memory. You may need to limit items running in the background by using MSCONFIG and/or limit the number of programs that you open at one time.
If that doesn't help, you may need to invest in more memory for your system.
To adjust virtual memory, click here
To see what is using virtual memory, click here