How does an operating system handle memory management?

• A. By allocating network resources
• B. By managing user profiles
• C. By allocating and deallocating memory spaces to processes
• D. By monitoring peripheral devices

Answer: (C)

An operating system manages memory by allocating and deallocating memory spaces to processes, which is essential for ensuring that each application has the resources it needs to function properly while preventing conflicts between different processes. When a program is executed, the operating system assigns it a portion of the available memory, which might include both RAM and virtual memory. Whenever the program no longer requires that memory, the operating system can reclaim it, making it available for other processes. This dynamic management is crucial for optimal system performance, stability, and efficiency.

In this context, memory management encompasses several tasks, including tracking available memory, determining how much memory each process needs, and managing the transitions between different states of memory allocation. This process ensures that the system operates smoothly and efficiently, avoids memory leaks, and minimizes fragmentation, which can lead to inefficient use of memory resources over time.