What is Expanded Memory (EM)?
Have you ever wondered what expanded memory (EM) is and how it differs from other types of computer memory? In this blog post, we will explore the world of expanded memory and unravel its mysteries. By the end, you’ll have a clear understanding of what expanded memory is and its significance in the world of computing.
Key Takeaways:
- Expanded memory (EM) is a category of computer memory that was popular in the 1980s and early 1990s.
- It allowed computers to access more memory space than their limited conventional memory could handle.
So, what exactly is expanded memory? Expanded memory refers to a method of memory expansion that was prevalent during the era of 16-bit computers. In those days, computers had a restricted memory address space, typically limited to 1 megabyte (MB). However, with advancing technology and the need for more memory for demanding applications, a method was devised to surpass this limitation.
Expanded memory provided a way to access up to 32 terabytes of memory, an astonishing leap from the earlier limitations. This was made possible by using the 386 Enhanced Mode, which allowed for a software process called bank switching. Through bank switching, a computer could virtually expand its memory to reach beyond the physical limitations of the hardware.
To take advantage of expanded memory, special software called expanded memory manager (EMM) was utilized. The EMM worked as an intermediary layer between the computer’s conventional memory and the expanded memory. It allowed the computer to allocate and access the expanded memory in a controlled manner, ensuring compatibility and stability.
During its peak, expanded memory was a game-changer for computer enthusiasts and professionals who required large memory spaces for their work. However, as technology advanced, new memory technologies like extended memory (XMS) and high memory area (HMA) became mainstream. These technologies provided even greater memory capacities and eventually replaced the need for expanded memory.
Key Takeaways:
- Expanded memory (EM) allowed access to more memory space than conventional memory.
- It used bank switching and required an expanded memory manager (EMM) for proper functioning.
In conclusion, expanded memory (EM) was a revolutionary concept that revolutionized the limitations imposed by conventional memory in the early days of computing. It showcased the ingenuity of software developers and their ability to overcome hardware constraints. Although no longer a relevant technology today, expanded memory played a vital role in the history of computer memory and paved the way for further advancements in memory expansion.
