[ GLOSSARY DEFINITION ]
Memory
swap
Using part of storage as virtual memory when RAM runs low, which is much slower.
Also known as:
swap memory
Full Definition & Technical Explanation
Swap moves data from RAM onto storage when memory is exhausted. It prevents crashes but is far slower than RAM, causing noticeable slowdowns.
See virtual memory.
Where swap Matters
Processors
Laptops
Frequently Asked Questions
What is swap?
Using part of storage as virtual memory when RAM runs low, which is much slower.
What terms are related to swap?
Related Memory terms include ROM.