Question

Although virtual memory is beneficial at times, why can it also be detrimental?
a:It converts data from nonvolatile to volatile storage devices.
b:It relies on data that is placed on the hard drive, which slows down the computer.
c:It increases the likelihood that data can become corrupted.
d:It requires a larger amount of bus width, which slows down the computer.

Answer 1

b used to be the reason. Magnetic hard drives are considered 1000 times slower than RAM because to disk accesses are measured in microseconds and memory accesses are measured in nanoseconds. With the new Solid State drives, I would expect the access times to be MUCH closer.