A method and apparatus for virtually expanding the rapid-access memory space of a device employing time-critical software modules and having various modes of operation. Each of the modes of operation of the device is identified. For each mode of operation, the time-critical software modules used during the mode are identified. The software modules used during all modes of operation are permanently stored in rapid-access memory. However, a software module that is used only during a particular mode of operation is loaded into the rapid-access memory unit only upon entry into the mode of operation in which it is used. The software module is loaded into a region of memory occupied by another software module not utilized during the particular mode of operation being entered.
RELATED APPLICATIONS
This application claims priority of U.S. provisional application Ser. No. 60/387,008, filed Jun. 7, 2002 and entitled "VIRTUALLY INCREASING OF PROGRAM RAM SIZE."
A hard disk drive is disclosed and related methods of reading/writing data are disclosed. The hard disk drive includes a disk serving as a main data storage medium, and first and second buffers storing data to be stored on the disk, as well as a controller defining a data I/O path in relation to a detected operating state of the hard disk drive.
