No matter what type of device you’re working on, the operating system (OS) is the heart of it all. It manages both the memory and processes of the device, along with any software installed.
Your operating system coordinates all of the moving pieces within the device itself, from the central processing unit (CPU) to memory and storage. While most OSs come with pre-installed materials, optimizing them using memory management is essential for allocating memory resources on the device.
What is memory management?
Memory management is a function within a device that subdivides the operating system’s use of primary memory, or random access memory (RAM). It also separates out the operations between the main memory and the disk drive during the running and execution of software and applications.
Memory management aims to make the OS more efficient by allocating and releasing memory before and after processes run.
If there isn’t enough memory for an application to run, the operating system will switch to using disk space instead of RAM. This can significantly slow down the computer’s running speed, making memory management essential for maintaining a well-running device.
Types of OS memory
Memory management techniques should be used on the primary memory, as this is generally temporary and accounts for a smaller storage capacity. There are four main types of operating system memory that all devices use:
- CPU register. High-speed CPU registers are temporary and used to instruct other parts of the OS. The files held within this are read and rewritten repeatedly as different processes are triggered.
- Cache memory. This memory is a level between the CPU and the main memory. It’s much faster than the primary memory and is used to compensate for the unequal processing speeds of the main memory and CPU register. Caches are also temporary but can store information for longer than the CPU register to speed up internal processing times.
- Main or primary memory. The primary memory is an external memory processor, working with active programs and data. Due to its larger capacity, processing times are slower than those of the CPU register and cache memory.
- Secondary memory. This memory type has the largest storage capacity but is usually an external source such as hard drive, USB flash drive, or memory card. These have the longest access times due to their storage size, so memory management on these is typically focused around any virtual memory options available.
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Memory management techniques
To make an operating system more efficient, memory management is essential for transferring data between physical and virtual disc space. Memory fragmentation, where the available memory is separated into smaller segments that become unusable, is a problem for many operating systems. Implementing a dedicated memory management process can help avoid this problem.
Segmentation
Using this memory management method, programs can be divided into segments for allocation to the most optimal parts of the OS. These programs can then be used independently, which means the OS only needs to load the required segments of each program rather than the entire application. Though this is one of the best space-saving methods, it does require more processing time to track where each program is in the OS memory.
Paging
Physical memory can also be divided into small, fixed blocks called pages. Programs that are held within these blocks have their own page table to map the address of both the physical and virtual memory they take up. This is one of the most efficient means of memory storage. It ensures the OS can allocate memory in smaller increments rather than larger blocks running continuously on the system. For programs that require additional memory, new pages can be added as and when they become necessary.
Virtual memory
Virtual memory is an ideal application, built to run larger programs than what the physical RAM can withstand. Application memory can be temporarily transferred from RAM to the virtual memory hard disk to free up space. This helps speed up slow, unresponsive devices. As computer systems become more advanced and require higher memory usage, it is essential to make sure that virtual memory space is available for optimal memory management.
Benefits of memory management in OS
There are numerous advantages that come with optimizing memory within an operating system, both from a device’s operational perspective and making the user’s working experience better and more efficient.
- Improving device speed. Techniques like virtual memory or paging allow more memory to be used than is physically available on the device, improving the system’s overall performance and running times.
- Optimizing memory allocation. Segmentation allows for greater memory allocation of all the programs and applications running on a computer system. With memory management, these allocations can be better organized to make the device run as efficiently as possible.
- Preventing memory leaking. Memory leakages can slow down OS as applications still actively running don’t release memory that is no longer being used. When segmenting or breaking these programs into pages, memory is less likely to leak to other parts of the system, thereby preventing the device from malfunctioning.
- Improving system security. Optimizing memory throughout an OS makes it less likely that any unauthorized users can access parts of actively running programs and applications. Segmenting the memory improves the overall security of the system.
Best operating systems for memory management
Operating systems are the brain of a computer system—without these, the device is effectively useless. Whether you’re working on a PC, a laptop, a tablet, or a smartphone, the OS is an essential part of the system that allows programs and applications to operate simultaneously.
To be included in the operating system category, platforms must:
- Manage a device’s software and external hardware
- Allow for simultaneous use of applications
- Connect with the central processing unit for memory and storage allocation
* Below are the top five leading operating system software solutions from G2’s Spring 2024 Grid Report. Some reviews may be edited for clarity.
1. Windows 11
Windows 11 is an operating system developed by Microsoft and released for public use in October 2021. Built on the foundations of Windows 10, it provides improved touch controls, enhanced security features, built-in generative and assistive AI, and chip-to-cloud protections.
What users like best:
“The graphical interface of Windows 11 is very user friendly and clear in terms of navigation. The memory management and load balancing is properly managed and efficiently optimized on this version of Windows. The task management of this OS is in such a way that it prevents app crashing and even if it does, it saves until the last checkpoint automatically which helps in data loss prevention in my work.”
- Windows 11 Review, Shrajan Gupta G.
What users dislike:
“For being a developer, I have quite a huge problem with this new operating system as I usually took 5 to 6 hours to train my ML model on Windows 11. It crashed so many times and took more time to train an ML model.”
- Windows 11 Review, Shivam M.
2. Apple iOS
As the primary OS for Apple devices, iOS is an advanced mobile operating system that has an easy-to-use interface and built-in data security for apps and programs. The first iteration was released in 2007. It operates in a closed ecosystem, warranting that other companies can only integrate their programs through the official Apple app store.
What users like best:
“iOS is known for its clean and sleek layout making it easy for the users to navigate. Additionally,iOS is also known for its smooth performance and most importantly, iOS is recognized for its robust security features. Apple emphasizes user privacy, implements encryption measures, and provides regular security updates to protect user data.”
- Apple iOS Review, May Anntonette M.
What users dislike:
“One aspect that some users find limiting about Apple's iOS is its closed ecosystem. While the tight integration between Apple devices can be beneficial, it also means that users have less flexibility and control compared to other operating systems.”
- Apple iOS Review, Shruti S.
3. Chrome OS
Chrome OS is Google’s Linux-based operating system, used to power Chromebooks and other Chrome devices. The OS is known for being fast to boot up and has automatic updates, along with an up to 12-hour battery life on a single charge. It also features built-in security measures to protect users from ransomware attacks and viruses.
What users like best:
“I like how easy it is to search content or images on Chrome, and I like how you can easily record audio for Chrome to search. Google Chrome seems a much better and more relevant OS than Firefox or Edge, and I use Chrome's Google Maps all the time to navigate to new areas and to see what's open near me.”
- Chrome OS Review, Rebekah B.
What users dislike:
“Some of the Google web applications fail to run on this OS. Real time integration is quite a time consuming task in Google OS. It has a very limited storage of 15 GB which could have been more for the users.”
- Chrome OS Review, Shantanu R.
4. macOS Sierra
macOS Sierra was an operating system released for Apple desktop and laptop devices in 2016. Although no longer providing security updates, many Apple devices still operate on this system. This OS offers optimized storage, along with Siri Intelligent Assistant directly from the dock, menu bar, or through a keyboard shortcut.
What users like best:
“macOS Sierra has Siri integrated with it. We can unlock the MacBook using an Apple watch, which makes it easy to use. Multitasking is possible due to its picture-in-picture feature.”
- macOS Sierra Review, Jagadale S.
What users dislike:
“Like any major software update, macOS Sierra had its share of compatibility issues with certain older hardware and software applications. Users with older Macs or specialized software may have encountered challenges.”
- macOS Sierra Review, Ej C.
5. Red Hat Enterprise Linux
As the leading commercial open-source OS, Red Hat Enterprise Linux offers free subscriptions to commercial businesses or development purposes. There are also academic versions, along with the main developer server option. You can deploy and run applications from anywhere while enjoying a stable and flexible foundation that supports hybrid cloud development.
What users like best:
“As a long time user of Red Hat Linux, I have found the tools and management systems that Red Hat provides crucial in helping to maintain stable and consistent deployment. Red Hat also does a lot of open source development work that goes "up the Chain" to benefit the whole Linux ecosystem.”
- Red Hat Enterprise Linux Review, Andres G.
What users dislike:
“Not easy to install with documents only. Handling packages, permissions, and errors are somehow difficult to tackle. Identifying the dependencies of certain packages and finding their dependencies could be simpler.”
- Red Hat Enterprise Linux Review, Asif A.
Make your memory last
Running multiple programs and applications at once is often part of your day-to-day, so speed up your processes and enjoy a more efficient operating system with memory management techniques. You’ll soon find yourself with a well-run device uniquely optimized for your needs, making your workday much easier.
Connect your devices to the best hybrid cloud storage solutions and free up physical and virtual memory on your computers, phones, and tablets.
Holly Landis
Holly Landis is a freelance writer for G2. She also specializes in being a digital marketing consultant, focusing in on-page SEO, copy, and content writing. She works with SMEs and creative businesses that want to be more intentional with their digital strategies and grow organically on channels they own. As a Brit now living in the USA, you'll usually find her drinking copious amounts of tea in her cherished Anne Boleyn mug while watching endless reruns of Parks and Rec.
