What is the definition of virtual memory?

Virtual memory is defined as a memory management capability that allows a computer to use hard drive space as an extension of its physical RAM. This means that when the physical memory (RAM) is fully utilized, the system can offload some data to a designated space on the hard drive, enabling it to run larger applications or more processes simultaneously without crashing or slowing down significantly. By combining hard drive space and physical RAM into a single virtual memory pool, the system can effectively manage larger workloads, enhancing multitasking capabilities.

This concept is crucial for optimizing the performance of a computer, ensuring that even when the physical memory limit is reached, the system can still operate more efficiently by swapping data back and forth as needed. This allows users to run multiple applications or tasks without having to worry as much about running out of available memory. The other choices do not accurately capture the essence of virtual memory as it relates to how computers manage memory resources.