Anyone know how to bring down your memory usage?

Right now I have Windows XP Pro, and I'm using so much memory for just one internet page open. I don't have any virus's or spyware on my computer. But it's using so much memory close to 400 mb. I don't remember the last time my computer would use over 300 mbs for just one software being used which is one page open for the internet. Does anyone know whats wrong with my computer. I don't think this is normal.

 

do you used programs like windowblinds and iconpackager? my computer also uses the same amount of memory even after reboot..

i think it's normal..

 

Even when I don't have software open. After its all loaded up, its still near 400 mbs. I think windows xp pro only is suppose to use about 200. I dont use windowblinds and iconpackager. I also am using most preferences on my taskbar and start for better performance.

 

hm. my firefox brower seems to take up alot of memory as well, but usually depends on how many tabs i have open (usually alot....) but nothign close to 400mb!

 

Using Task Manager, check how many processes you are running. I would say that any number of processes over 40 or 45 is overkill as you are probably not using half of the processes running there. The best way to save memory is simply to prevent these processes from starting up when XP boots. To do so, go to Start>Run and type "msconfig" in the command box. Select the start up tab and uncheck any programs you don't need at start up.

 

How do I know what programs I need or not?

 

A combination of these 3 steps will help reduce your system memory usage.

1)Disable uselss/uneeded Windows XP services.
http://www.jasonn.com/turning_off_unnecessary_services_on_windows_xp

2) If you can live without System Restore, turn it off. (i find it a resource hog and will rather reformat ). Also, disable error reporting, Google is way better to search for a solution for those errors. Speaking of errors, when you are in services.msc, disable Help and Support. Again google can help .

3) Uninstall unused software. If you have some programs that you rarely ever use and they run in the background, uninstall them. Or use Startup Inspector for Windows here to disable them from starting up.

This few steps will help in freeing up resources.

 

Umm.. how much RAM do you have? It is pointless to have free memory if it isn't going to be used for anything else. Complaining about how much RAM a program uses should not be an issue until it starts taking resources from other programs that need them as well.

 

I have half a gig, but i'ma upgrade to a gig.

 

Yeah, upgrade to a gig would be better. Using 400mb is about right. Many apps run at startup now. Like java updates, realplayer, itunes and acrobat all run a small process for updates. But it all adds up and in no time you find that you need more memory. It also feels like every windows patches uses more and more ram.

 

In addition to system64 recommendations you could possibly also use a memory optimisation tool like cacheman/cachemem (not sure of spelling)?? Personally I have 2GB so have little worries about memory usage though having said that after some optimisation I still am using 400mb of RAM. Personally I worry more about the CPU usage these processes take up.

U could also consider a clean install and just install apps you will use as these laptops tend to come with loads of unecessary bloatware.

HTH
Jools