In a multitasking operating system, what role does RAM primarily play when multiple applications are open simultaneously?

Question

Question

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RRB NTPC Graduate Level CBT-I Official Paper (Held On: 06 Jun, 2025 Shift 2)

It processes user input commands from external devices like keyboard or mouse
It queues printing tasks before they reach the printer.
It temporarily holds active program data and instructions to enable fast switching between tasks.
It acts as permanent storage for installed software.

Answer 1

The correct answer is It temporarily holds active program data and instructions to enable fast switching between tasks..

Key Points

RAM (Random Access Memory) is a volatile memory that temporarily stores data and instructions required by active applications, enabling smooth multitasking.
In a multitasking operating system, RAM allows quick access to active program data, reducing the need to repeatedly fetch data from slower storage devices like hard drives.
The operating system utilizes RAM to maintain the state of multiple applications, enabling fast switching between tasks without delays.
RAM acts as a workspace for the CPU, ensuring that active processes and threads execute efficiently and remain responsive.
When RAM is insufficient for multitasking, systems may use virtual memory (paging), which is significantly slower compared to physical RAM.

Additional Information

Volatile Memory:
- RAM is classified as volatile memory, meaning its contents are lost when power is turned off.
- This characteristic makes RAM unsuitable for permanent data storage.
Virtual Memory:
- When physical RAM is full, operating systems use a portion of the hard drive as virtual memory.
- Virtual memory is slower than RAM but ensures the system can handle more applications simultaneously.
Multitasking in Operating Systems:
- Multitasking allows multiple applications or processes to run concurrently by sharing CPU and RAM resources.
- Efficient multitasking relies heavily on the speed and capacity of RAM.
Cache Memory:
- Cache memory is a smaller, faster type of memory located closer to the CPU than RAM.
- It stores frequently accessed data to speed up processing tasks further.
Permanent Storage vs RAM:
- Permanent storage devices like hard drives and SSDs retain data even after power is turned off.
- RAM, on the other hand, is temporary storage designed for speed and accessibility during active processes.