Freeing memory

[Guest]

I only have 256mb of RAM on my laptop and i want 2 run a game that requires
128mb of RAM to run properly. What can I do 2 make this memory available for
the game? I have shut down all taskbar programs and disabled Norton but this
doesn't seem 2 b enough. In task manager there seems to be a lot of memory
taken up by things I'm not even using. If I choose 'End process' for these
programs will that work? or will this cause problems and loss of important
data? Any advice will be gratefully received

 

[Ron Martell]

I only have 256mb of RAM on my laptop and i want 2 run a game that requires
128mb of RAM to run properly. What can I do 2 make this memory available for
the game? I have shut down all taskbar programs and disabled Norton but this
doesn't seem 2 b enough. In task manager there seems to be a lot of memory
taken up by things I'm not even using. If I choose 'End process' for these
programs will that work? or will this cause problems and loss of important
data? Any advice will be gratefully received

1. 256 mb is a pretty minimal amount of RAM for running Windows XP.
You will get a substantial boost in overall performance of the
computer if you increase the RAM to at least 512 mb. RAM prices are
pretty low these days - see http://www.crucial.com or
http://www.kingston.com for availablity and pricing on RAM upgrades
for your specific laptop make and model.

2. Windows memory management will relocate any "dispensable" items in
RAM to the page file so as to free up the amount of RAM that your game
needs. Randomly closing processes is a computer version of Russian
Roulette.

Good luck

Ron Martell Duncan B.C. Canada
--
Microsoft MVP (1997 - 2006)
On-Line Help Computer Service
http://onlinehelp.bc.ca
Syberfix Remote Computer Repair

"Anyone who thinks that they are too small to make a difference
has never been in bed with a mosquito."

 

[Guest]

Yeah was afraid of that, it's on my list of things 2 buy but i'm impatient!

Thanks very much for the quick response and advice though

 

[Guest]

Will you explain "Windows memory managemen" to me? Ia this automatic? The
computer tells me to close some applications to improve my RAM. Which? How?

 

[Gerry]

http://aumha.org/win5/a/xpvm.htm

Yes.

Where does your computer tells you to close some applications to improve
your RAM?

Running applications / programmes when you do not need to is going to
waste "memory". That surely is self evident. Wasting RAM memory is not
the problem. The problem is using virtual memory where read / write
speeds are much slower than RAM in circumstances that might not be
necessary if programmes not needed were closed.

--



Hope this helps.

Gerry
~~~~
FCA
Stourport, England
Enquire, plan and execute
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