Definition

• Virtual memory is a space on your computer's hard disk used to extend its memory capacity. It's called "virtual memory" because the information is stored on your computer's hard disk instead of in the RAM chips. In Windows, the space on your computer's hard drive dedicated to virtual memory is called a "paging file."
  
  

Monitoring

• To monitor your Windows XP virtual memory performance, open Performance Monitor by entering "perfmon.msc" in the "Run" command prompt. To determine the maximum amount of virtual memory your computer is using at any one time, right-click on the right-side window panel, and add the "Paging File" performance object to the performance monitor's counters. Configure the counter for "%usage peak," "\pagefile.sys."
  
  

Considerations

• Use the information you learn from monitoring your virtual memory performance to help you better manage your computer's memory resources. Poor virtual memory performance is likely the result of not having enough RAM available---forcing your system to rely too much on virtual memory. As a result, your computer's CPU must dedicate more resources towards memory management support instead of actually running applications.
  
  

Managing

• To manage your virtual memory settings in Windows XP, open the System Properties box by entering "sysdm.cpl" in the "Run" command prompt, then go to the "Advanced" tab. From here you can modify your virtual memory performance settings to suit your needs.