A computer has 16GB of RAM. It typically needs to support 100 processes, each of which require an average of 100MB. Will this computer benefit from a Virtual Memory system? Choose the correct option and reasoning below.
Step-by-step Solution:
First, calculate the total memory required by the processes: \[ 100 \text{ processes} \times 100 \text{ MB} = 10,000 \text{ MB} \approx 10 \text{ GB} \] Since 10GB is less than the available 16GB of RAM, the system does not need virtual memory merely to expand capacity. However, Virtual Memory provides another critical function: memory protection. It isolates the address spaces of different processes, ensuring that one process cannot intentionally or accidentally access the memory of another. This makes the operating system more stable and secure. Therefore, the system will still benefit from Virtual Memory.