Which of the following accurately describes the role of virtual memory in modern operating systems?

Detailed Explanation:Virtual memory is a memory management technique that gives the illusion of a larger memory space than physically available. It does this by using disk space as an extension of RAM, enabling processes to run even when their memory requirements exceed the physical memory's capacity. This is achieved through paging and swapping mechanisms, which divide memory into fixed-size pages and swap them between RAM and disk storage as needed. Virtual memory is essential for multitasking, as it isolates processes, prevents conflicts, and ensures efficient utilization of memory resources. It also enables features like memory protection, allowing secure execution of multiple programs simultaneously. Why Other Options Are Incorrect:

• Option A: Virtual memory complements physical memory but does not eliminate its need. Physical RAM is still required for efficient execution.
• Option C: Paging is the primary method used, often combined with segmentation for added flexibility. Virtual memory does not replace paging.
• Option D: Virtual memory is not restricted to distributed systems; it is a fundamental feature of most modern operating systems.
• Option E: Memory allocation algorithms are still required to manage physical and virtual memory effectively.