Which feature of an operating system allows for temporary data transfer from RAM to disk storage?

The correct choice, Virtual Memory, refers to a feature of an operating system that enables the use of disk storage to extend the available memory beyond the physical limits of RAM. When the system runs out of physical memory for active processes, it can temporarily transfer data that is not currently being used from RAM to a designated area on the disk, known as the swap space or page file.

This process allows the operating system to efficiently manage memory by keeping frequently accessed data in RAM while moving less frequently used data to disk. Consequently, applications can continue running smoothly even when the demand for memory exceeds the physical RAM installed in the system. Virtual memory enhances multitasking capabilities and allows for larger applications to run, thereby providing more flexibility and better resource management in the operating system.

In contrast, cache memory is a small amount of high-speed memory used to store frequently accessed data for faster retrieval, but it does not facilitate data transfer to disk storage. Secondary storage refers to long-term storage devices like hard drives or SSDs but does not imply temporary data transfer; instead, it indicates permanent storage solutions. Hard drive management involves the organization and control of the hard drive but does not specifically imply the mechanism of temporarily transferring data to enhance memory usage.