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Memory Management Notes OS

Memory Management is the process of overseeing a computer's primary memory, including allocation, deallocation, protection, relocation, and sharing. It involves both contiguous and non-contiguous memory allocation methods, with techniques like paging and segmentation to manage memory efficiently. Key concepts include the distinction between logical and physical addresses, fragmentation issues, and the use of virtual memory to extend available memory using disk space.

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213 views3 pages

Memory Management Notes OS

Memory Management is the process of overseeing a computer's primary memory, including allocation, deallocation, protection, relocation, and sharing. It involves both contiguous and non-contiguous memory allocation methods, with techniques like paging and segmentation to manage memory efficiently. Key concepts include the distinction between logical and physical addresses, fragmentation issues, and the use of virtual memory to extend available memory using disk space.

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userunknown3534
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Memory Management – Notes

(Operating System)
1. Definition
Memory Management is the process of managing the computer’s primary memory (RAM).
It keeps track of:
- Which memory parts are in use or free.
- Allocates memory to processes.
- Frees the memory when it is no longer needed.

2. Functions of Memory Management


1. Allocation – Provide memory to processes when needed.
2. Deallocation – Free memory after use.
3. Protection – Prevents one process from accessing another's memory.
4. Relocation – Adjust memory addresses when process is moved in RAM.
5. Sharing – Allows processes to share memory safely.
6. Logical to Physical Address Mapping.

3. Types of Memory Allocation


A. Contiguous Memory Allocation
- Entire memory is given as one continuous block.
- Easy to implement but may cause fragmentation.
Types:
- Single Partition: OS + One user process.
- Multiple Partition: OS + Multiple processes.
- Fixed Partitioning – Divides memory into fixed-size blocks.
- Variable Partitioning – Partitions vary based on process size.
Problems:
- Internal Fragmentation – Unused space within allocated block.
- External Fragmentation – Free space scattered between used blocks.

B. Non-Contiguous Memory Allocation


- Memory is allocated in chunks, not continuously.
- Allows better utilization of memory.
Major Techniques:
1. Paging
2. Segmentation
3. Virtual Memory
4. Logical vs Physical Address
Logical Address | Physical Address
----------------|------------------
Generated by CPU | Actual address in RAM
Used by program | Used by memory unit
Needs to be translated | Directly used
Note: MMU (Memory Management Unit) handles this translation.

5. Fragmentation
Type | Description
-----|-------------
Internal | Wasted space inside allocated memory block
External | Wasted space between blocks due to scattering

6. Paging (Overview)
- Divides memory into fixed-size blocks:
- Pages – logical memory
- Frames – physical memory
- Uses a page table for mapping pages to frames.
Helps avoid external fragmentation.

7. Segmentation (Overview)
- Divides memory into variable-sized logical segments like:
- Code, Data, Stack, Heap, etc.
- Uses segment table for mapping.
Maintains logical structure of the program.

8. Virtual Memory (Advanced)


- Technique to run larger programs than physical RAM.
- Uses disk space as temporary memory.
Key concepts:
- Demand Paging
- Page Fault
- Page Replacement Algorithms (FIFO, LRU)

9. Comparison Table
Feature | Paging | Segmentation
--------|--------|-------------
Division | Equal-sized pages/frames | Logical segments
Size | Fixed | Variable
Fragmentation | Internal possible | External possible
Mapping structure | Page Table | Segment Table

Final Summary Points


- Memory Management = Allocate, manage, and protect RAM.
- Logical ≠ Physical address – OS handles translation.
- Fragmentation = memory waste problem.
- Paging = fixed-size division of memory.
- Segmentation = logical division of memory.
- Virtual Memory = memory extension using disk.

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