What is Virtual Memory?

i searched for things that can optimize my laptop's performance and i found out that virtual memory does a big part. what is it? what is the best "initial size" and "maximum size" for it.?

I HAVE ASPIRE4750G: Intel Core i%-2410M, nvidia GeForce GT 540m, 2GB DDR3 Memory, 640GB HDD

famousken said:

i searched for things that can optimize my laptop's performance and i found out that virtual memory does a big part. what is it? what is the best "initial size" and "maximum size" for it.?

I HAVE ASPIRE4750G: Intel Core i%-2410M, nvidia GeForce GT 540m, 2GB DDR3 Memory, 640GB HDD

Virtual memory is hard disk space used in lieu of real memory. It is MUCH, Much slower and used only when a system runs out of the faster real RAM.

The absolute size doesnt matter as it is all slower, but if you want a guide somewhere around 1.5 times your RAM.

1.5 of my Physical Memory is the initial size? how about the maximum size allocated for it?

famousken said:

1.5 of my Physical Memory is the initial size? how about the maximum size allocated for it?

One sure fire way is to allow the system to manage it. In system control panel there is a setting that will do just that.

It wont help a P-IV because they come with virtual memory enabled so you proabably already have it