IT2105

Laboratory Exercise
Memory Management
Objectives:

At the end of the exercise, the students should be able to:

 Examine some techniques in memory partitioning; and

 Analyze the underlying concepts and implications of virtual memory.

Part I (30 points)

Instructions: Read the description of the memory configuration and analyze the given diagram. Then, answer the
following questions.

Memory Configuration: A computer implements a dynamic partitioning technique for memory management.
A number of allocation and swapping-out operations have been carried out while the computer is up and
running. The diagram below shows the computer's current memory configuration/allocation. The addresses go
from left to right. The gray areas represent blocks that are occupied by running processes, while the white areas
indicate free memory blocks. The last process that was loaded into the memory is marked with a red X in the
diagram, and its size is 2MB. Only one process was swapped out after that.

Questions
1. If you are to add a new 10MB process in the memory, where could it possibly be added and why? (5
points)
2. What could be the size of the free block just before it was partitioned by X? Rationalize your answer.
(5 points)
3. Would you suggest the provisioning of virtual memory in this configuration? Why or why not?
(5 points)
4. Is it possible to add a new 7MB process using the first-fit placement algorithm without swapping out
any process? Why or why not? (5 points)
5. A new process is requesting a 3MB allocation. Illustrate the possible memory configuration using a
horizontal segmented memory strip (like the diagram above), where a partition will be created for the
new process under the following placement algorithms: best-fit and first-fit. Label your illustration
clearly. (2 items x 5 points)

Grading Rubric for Essay:

Criteria Performance Indicator Points
Content Correct ideas and concepts were applied. 3
Organization The presentation of idea was generally organized. 2
TOTAL 5

Grading Rubric for Illustration:

Criteria Performance Indicator Points
Content The illustration was accurate or plausible. 3
Organization The illustration was presented in an organized manner 2
TOTAL 5

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 IT2105

Part II (40 points)

Instructions:
1. Explain the operation and management of the following virtual memory. Search for relevant studies and
literatures that would support your answer. Properly cite your references. (10 points x 2 items)
 Linux Virtual Memory
 Windows Virtual Memory
Note: You may also include illustrations from credible sources to better explain your answers.

Grading Rubric for Research:

Criteria Performance Indicator Points
Content Relevant ideas, concepts, illustrations, and/or examples from 7
credible resources were included.
Organization The presentation of ideas was generally organized. 3
TOTAL 10

2. Then, answer the following items based on your research. (4 items x 5 points)
a. Between the operation and management of Linux and Windows virtual memory, which do you think is
less complex and why?
b. Were you able to find similarities between Linux and Windows virtual memory?
o If your answer is yes, explain each similarity.
o If your answer is no, explain the possible reason why there is no similarity.
c. What are the possible drawbacks of not implementing virtual memory?
d. If you are to design a memory management system, would you incorporate virtual memory into your
design? Why or why not?

Grading Rubric for Essay:

Criteria Performance Indicator Points
Content Correct ideas and concepts were utilized. 3
Organization The presentation of ideas was generally organized. 2
TOTAL 5

Note: DO NOT COPY AND PASTE. All students who copy and paste their work from any website or their classmates will automatically receive a failing mark for this assessment task.

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