Which statement describes memory management as a function of the operating system?

Which statement describes memory management as a function of the operating system?

• A. Manages where programs are stored in memory
• B. Compiles code
• C. Renders 3D graphics
• D. Encrypts passwords

Answer: (A)

Memory management is about how the operating system allocates and organizes the computer’s RAM for running programs. The OS keeps track of which parts of memory are free and which are in use, decides where to load a program in memory, and maps a program’s view of memory (virtual addresses) to the actual physical memory. It also handles moving data between RAM and storage (paging or swapping) and protects one process’s memory from another, ensuring isolation. This describes why the statement about managing where programs are stored in memory best captures memory management.

Compiling code is the job of a compiler, not the OS’s memory management. Rendering 3D graphics is handled by the graphics subsystem and GPU. Encrypting passwords is a cryptographic task.