In IBM PC compatible computing, DOS memory management refers to software and techniques employed to give applications access to more than 640 kibibytes (KiB) of "conventional memory". The 640KiB limit was specific to the IBM PC and close compatibles; other machines running MS-DOS had different limits, for example the Apricot PC could have up to 768KiB and the Sirius Victor 9000, 896KiB. Memory management on the IBM family was made complex by the need to maintain backward compatibility to the original PC design and real-mode PC DOS (MS-DOS), while allowing computer users to take advantage of large amounts of low-cost memory and new generations of processors. Since MS-DOS has given way to Microsoft Windows and other 32-bit operating systems not restricted by the original arbitrary 640KiB limit of the IBM PC, managing the memory of a personal computer no longer requires the user to manually manipulate internal settings and parameters of the system.
The 640KiB limit imposed great complexity on hardware and software intended to circumvent it; the physical memory in a machine could be organised as a combination of base or conventional memory, upper memory, high memory (not the same as upper memory), extended memory, and expanded memory, all handled in different ways.
Read more about DOS Memory Management: Conventional Memory, Upper Memory Area, Expanded Memory, The 80286 and The High Memory Area, 80386 and Subsequent Processors, Extended Memory
Famous quotes containing the words dos, memory and/or management:
“I never understood exactly why people get engaged—The only time I ever did the most disastrous things happened—but I feel that there’s a great deal to be said for immediate matrimony always. If I once got started I’d probably have to become a mormon to cover my confusion. What I mean is that if he and she are crazy about each other it is sheer tempting God to stay apart, come what may. And if people arent crazy about each other being engaged wont help them.”
—John Dos Passos (1896–1970)
“In memory everything seems to happen to music.”
—Tennessee Williams (1914–1983)
“The care of a house, the conduct of a home, the management of children, the instruction and government of servants, are as deserving of scientific treatment and scientific professors and lectureships as are the care of farms, the management of manure and crops, and the raising and care of stock.”
—Catherine E. Beecher (1800–1878)