In an embodiment, a method for an adaptive address space operating system, includes: selecting a first model of the address space layout for a process; attempting to perform an operation within a virtual address; determining if the operation can be performed successfully based on the first model or based upon a second model; if the operation cannot be performed successfully based upon the first model but can be performed successfully based upon the second model, then converting the address space layout from the first model to the second model; and performing the operation.
