Constant high CPU usage

[Bhay99]

I have a Intel Core Duo 1.60 ghz processor with 2gb of RAM and my computer
will constantly have 100% of the RAM taken up. I usually only run firefox,
AIM, and itunes at a given time and I don't understand why my computer can't
handle it. I will open up the task manager and it doesn't seem like any one
task is taking up that much RAM, I don't understand what is doing it.

I ran a virus scan with norton and it says I am clean, so I am puzzled by
how my RAM could always be maxing out. If someone could help me figure this
out I would appreciate it. Thanks.

 

[Ken Blake, MVP]

I have a Intel Core Duo 1.60 ghz processor with 2gb of RAM and my computer
will constantly have 100% of the RAM taken up. I usually only run firefox,
AIM, and itunes at a given time and I don't understand why my computer can't
handle it. I will open up the task manager and it doesn't seem like any one
task is taking up that much RAM, I don't understand what is doing it.

I ran a virus scan with norton and it says I am clean, so I am puzzled by
how my RAM could always be maxing out. If someone could help me figure this
out I would appreciate it. Thanks.

That's normal and doesn't represent a problem.

Wanting to minimize the amount of memory Windows uses is a
counterproductive desire. Windows is designed to use all, or most, of
your memory, all the time, and that's good not bad. Free memory is
wasted memory. You paid for it all and shouldn't want to see any of it
wasted.

Windows works hard to find a use for all the memory you have all the
time. For example if your apps don't need some of it, it will use that
part for caching, then give it back when your apps later need it. In
this way Windows keeps all your memory working for you all the time.

 

[Bhay99]

Well...ok, but when it causes slowdown on my system and makes me have to
close those applications it is still not a problem? I don't understand why
slowdown is normal

 

[Ken Blake, MVP]

Well...ok, but when it causes slowdown on my system and makes me have to
close those applications it is still not a problem? I don't understand why
slowdown is normal

A slowdown is not normal. If you are experiencing a slowdown, you need
to find out what's causing it and address it. Memory use is *not*
what's causing the slowdown.

 

[tempting2taanzaa]

I'm curious. Your problem is high RAM usage or CPU usage...I was reading
your subject and the body of your post and wondered if both were have 100%
usage or just the one...

 

[Sergio]

Sorry mate, but I can't beleive that.

From an OS architechture point of view, such strategy is reallly a disaster
and a waste of resources and process time. Besides, Windows doesn't work in
that manner. IMHO, the only reason is that he must have running processes or
services devouring his memory.

Regards.

Sergio

 

[Rick Rogers]

Hi Sergio,

Not to be crass, but whether or not you believe it is irrelevant. This is
part of the memory management model used by Vista, and by many of its
predecessors. Windows will find as many uses for the available physical
memory as possible, and this includes caching of recently accessed files.
Free memory is wasted memory - like paying for furniture that you never let
anyone sit on even though you have a room full of people (it may look good
but of what use is it?).

--
Best of Luck,

Rick Rogers, aka "Nutcase" - Microsoft MVP

Windows help - www.rickrogers.org
My thoughts http://rick-mvp.blogspot.com

 

[Ken Blake, MVP]

Sorry mate, but I can't beleive that.

Your choice, of course, as to what you want to believe. Nevertheless,
it's true.

 

[SG]

Bhay99,

Take Bob's advice here and get rid on Norton, you will then see a difference
in your machine. BTW, what version of Norton are you running? is it
standalone or a suite?

--
All the best,
SG

Is your computer system ready for Vista?
https://winqual.microsoft.com/hcl/

 

[Roy J. Cloutier]

That's normal and doesn't represent a problem.

Wanting to minimize the amount of memory Windows uses is a
counterproductive desire. Windows is designed to use all, or most, of
your memory, all the time, and that's good not bad. Free memory is
wasted memory. You paid for it all and shouldn't want to see any of it
wasted.

Windows works hard to find a use for all the memory you have all the
time. For example if your apps don't need some of it, it will use that
part for caching, then give it back when your apps later need it. In
this way Windows keeps all your memory working for you all the time.