swap memory

[/swɒp ˈmɛməri/]
noun
memória de troca
1. A space on a hard disk or storage device that the operating system uses to extend RAM when physical memory is full, allowing the system to continue running programs by temporarily storing data that would otherwise reside in RAM
When your computer runs out of RAM, it uses swap memory to prevent the system from crashing.
Quando seu computador fica sem RAM, ele usa memória de troca para evitar que o sistema travasse.
2. Virtual memory allocated on disk storage to supplement physical random access memory
The performance degradation occurred because the system was heavily relying on swap memory instead of physical RAM.
A degradação de desempenho ocorreu porque o sistema estava dependendo muito da memória de troca em vez da RAM física.
This is a technical computing term used universally in both English and Portuguese-speaking countries. It is more common in IT and technology contexts rather than in everyday conversation. The term is crucial for system administrators and software developers in both Brazil and Portugal when discussing system performance optimization.
Synonyms / Sinônimos
virtual memorypage fileswap spaceswap file
Antonyms / Antônimos
physical memoryRAM

Regional Variations

General Brazilian
memória de troca
Standard technical term used in computing contexts
Brazil
memória virtual
Sometimes used interchangeably, though technically broader term
Portugal
memória de troca
Same as Brazilian Portuguese, standard in European Portuguese computing
Technical contexts
espaço de troca
Alternative technical term emphasizing the space aspect

Related Words

RAMvirtual memorydisk storagepage filememory managementpaging

Related Idioms & Phrases

running on fumes (using excessive swap memory)
thrashing (excessive use of swap memory causing performance issues)
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