Which type of memory combines the use of RAM and hard drive space?

Virtual memory is a memory management technique that uses both RAM (Random Access Memory) and hard drive space to extend the apparent available memory for applications. When a computer runs out of RAM, the operating system moves inactive data from RAM to a designated space on the hard drive, often called a swap file or paging file. This process allows the system to continue running applications that may require more memory than what is physically available in RAM.

By combining the fast access speed of RAM with the larger storage capacity of a hard drive, virtual memory allows for multitasking and more efficient resource management on computers. It helps to prevent applications from crashing due to memory shortages and allows users to run larger programs or multiple applications simultaneously.

In contrast, other types of memory mentioned have different purposes. Cache memory is a smaller, high-speed storage area that temporarily holds frequently accessed data to speed up processing. Flash memory is a type of non-volatile storage often used in USB drives and SSDs, while buffer memory is used to store data temporarily while it is being moved from one place to another, typically during input and output operations.