What is swap space used for?

Swap space is utilized to hold virtual memory on the hard drive, serving as an extension of a computer's physical RAM. When the system runs out of RAM while executing processes, it uses swap space to temporarily store data that is not actively being used. This allows the operating system to free up physical memory for currently running applications, thereby improving multitasking capabilities and ensuring that processes have the necessary resources to continue functioning smoothly. By transferring infrequently accessed data to the swap space, the system can maintain performance without crashing or slowing down due to memory limitations.

In this context, other options do not align with the primary function of swap space. For instance, swap space does not have any direct impact on network speed, and it is distinct from the storage of temporary files, which typically seek quick access and do not require the same management as virtual memory. Additionally, while creating backup images of the system involves storage, it is unrelated to the function of swap space.