Memory is the second thing to go...
#1
03-05-02, 03:05 PM
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Memory is the second thing to go...
No real problems (yet) but a question.
I opened up the system information on my computer (just for the heck of it) and found out although I have 128 MB of memory (which I already knew) I have only 25 MB of AVAILABLE memory.
What gives?
I had NO applications open, and have only 4 items in my quick launch tool bar.
Is there something I should know that I don't?
FYI - My pc is an HP - new this past November, running Windows XP.
I opened up the system information on my computer (just for the heck of it) and found out although I have 128 MB of memory (which I already knew) I have only 25 MB of AVAILABLE memory.
What gives?
I had NO applications open, and have only 4 items in my quick launch tool bar.
Is there something I should know that I don't?
FYI - My pc is an HP - new this past November, running Windows XP.
#2
03-05-02, 04:11 PM
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I had the same problem after installing more memory into my computer. It seems that Windows will install more things to run in the background when it detects more memory available. If you hit control+alt+del at the same time (once only please) you can see what applications are running and what program launchers are running.
The way I solved these 'extra' progs from running in the background, waiting on me to use them (most are just windows progs that help load the progs that you do us faster) I went into the RUN command off my start menu, type MSCONFIG, 'okay' and then to the start up tab. You can uncheck a lot of things that you don't use, and can actually (if you know where your basic prog exe files are) go under the GENERAL tab and just uncheck the box that says 'load startup items'. The only problem is that I had to load my mouse driver, and keyboard driver since I have a special keyboard and mouse. After unchecking that box you can go into your programs and have them load automatically again if you choose. I'm not patient enough to figure out what the progs actually are, so of course I took the easy {aka hard} way and ended up reloading into the startup file through my progs. Probably easier to just uncheck things, but I didn't know what half of them were. After the second method your system then will have to load all .dll files and prog files only when you command it to do so.
Also, windows does not completely remove, nor do your progs, their information from RAM when they shut down. There is still some residual information floating in there taking up space. Small shareware/freeware programs are available to check and monitor unused RAM that is tied up this way. It will clear things out of the memory that isn't being used.
I always seem to download from: www.downloads.com
MemMonster is one that I use, it is shareware.
I am currently trying one called BySoft FreeRam. It is freeware.
Both seem to work fine, but the second I just installed today so can't really give an opinion.
Both can automatically free ram when it reaches a level you designate, and also have a feature where you can make it recover ram on demand.
Another way to check how many programs are running in the background just for starters is to see how many icons are in the systray at the bottom of the screen. All are currently active and running.
Hope this answers some of your questions.
Kay
The way I solved these 'extra' progs from running in the background, waiting on me to use them (most are just windows progs that help load the progs that you do us faster) I went into the RUN command off my start menu, type MSCONFIG, 'okay' and then to the start up tab. You can uncheck a lot of things that you don't use, and can actually (if you know where your basic prog exe files are) go under the GENERAL tab and just uncheck the box that says 'load startup items'. The only problem is that I had to load my mouse driver, and keyboard driver since I have a special keyboard and mouse. After unchecking that box you can go into your programs and have them load automatically again if you choose. I'm not patient enough to figure out what the progs actually are, so of course I took the easy {aka hard} way and ended up reloading into the startup file through my progs. Probably easier to just uncheck things, but I didn't know what half of them were. After the second method your system then will have to load all .dll files and prog files only when you command it to do so.
Also, windows does not completely remove, nor do your progs, their information from RAM when they shut down. There is still some residual information floating in there taking up space. Small shareware/freeware programs are available to check and monitor unused RAM that is tied up this way. It will clear things out of the memory that isn't being used.
I always seem to download from: www.downloads.com
MemMonster is one that I use, it is shareware.
I am currently trying one called BySoft FreeRam. It is freeware.
Both seem to work fine, but the second I just installed today so can't really give an opinion.
Both can automatically free ram when it reaches a level you designate, and also have a feature where you can make it recover ram on demand.
Another way to check how many programs are running in the background just for starters is to see how many icons are in the systray at the bottom of the screen. All are currently active and running.
Hope this answers some of your questions.
Kay
#3
03-07-02, 08:23 AM
And... 128k for XP is not enough. You should have at least 256k.
You will find that XP manages the memory fairly well and will only use what is necessary and freeing up the rest. XP itself will use tons of it.... upgrade your memory.
I have 512k and it zooms along
You will find that XP manages the memory fairly well and will only use what is necessary and freeing up the rest. XP itself will use tons of it.... upgrade your memory.
I have 512k and it zooms along
#4
03-09-02, 10:26 PM
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All RAM is not for your Computer!
I have seen more people run into problems by buying & running bargin basement RAM than any other hardware. Go to http://www.crucial.com use their RAM selector and the RAM they sell is Micron.
The best part is it works right off not leaving you wondering. Why Is the new RAM I just bought not showing up. Or just plain not working at all because it's not the right RAM for your machine.
I have used their RAM in quite a few different Computers and never had one problem. If say you were to put in one 256mb stick of RAM, you would never have to run any third party programs to help your Computer deal with too little RAM.
Remember the more programs you have running, means less RAM for you to use. More RAM is the best and least expensive way to get more performance from your Computer.
The best part is it works right off not leaving you wondering. Why Is the new RAM I just bought not showing up. Or just plain not working at all because it's not the right RAM for your machine.
I have used their RAM in quite a few different Computers and never had one problem. If say you were to put in one 256mb stick of RAM, you would never have to run any third party programs to help your Computer deal with too little RAM.
Remember the more programs you have running, means less RAM for you to use. More RAM is the best and least expensive way to get more performance from your Computer.
Last edited by marturo; 03-10-02 at 11:56 AM.
Kingston
#6
03-10-02, 08:23 PM
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Ram Choices
Hi Bigmike
Would you post a URL for us to where they sell Kingston & Pony RAM please. As RAM is starting to go back up in price it sure would be good to be able to shop around.
Thanks, Marturo
Would you post a URL for us to where they sell Kingston & Pony RAM please. As RAM is starting to go back up in price it sure would be good to be able to shop around.
Thanks, Marturo
#9
03-11-02, 05:00 PM
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try this link:
www.pricewatch.com
might find some great mail order deals. i purchased kingston the first time online, then bought my second stick (couldn't afford but 156Mg on my first purchase) it at a local Office Max when the prices dropped way down. memory prices are going back up so might want to check quickly. they also offer rebates like the stores since it actually a kingston or pony product.
kay
****they have great prices on everything computer, i got a keyboard for $2. works great.
k
www.pricewatch.com
might find some great mail order deals. i purchased kingston the first time online, then bought my second stick (couldn't afford but 156Mg on my first purchase) it at a local Office Max when the prices dropped way down. memory prices are going back up so might want to check quickly. they also offer rebates like the stores since it actually a kingston or pony product.
kay
****they have great prices on everything computer, i got a keyboard for $2. works great.
k
