(1) To replace
pages or
segments of
data in
memory. Swapping is a useful technique that enables a
computer to
execute programs and manipulate data
files larger than
main memory. The
operating system copies as much data as possible into main memory, and leaves the rest on the
disk. When the operating system needs data from the disk, it exchanges a portion of data (called a
page or
segment ) in main memory with a portion of data on the disk.
DOS does not perform swapping, but most other operating systems, including OS/2, Windows, and UNIX, do.
Swapping is often called paging.
(2) In UNIX systems, swapping refers to moving entire processes in and out of main memory.
(3) When spelled SWAP, an acronym for Shared Wireless Access Protocol.
