Available Memory
Posted: Thu, Mar 25 2010, 12:17 PM
When I check "system tools" "system information" on my laptop (512 MB of memory installed) I noticed that "Total Physical Memory" reads as 512MB. However, "Total Available Memory" is at about 256MB with no programs running. Right now with Firefox loaded (five tabs up) and Thunderbird running the "Total Available Memory" is down to 100MB. Windows 98 is the OS.
My friend and I talked about this last night (the blind leading the blind) and he checked his computers and found this:
1) Newest laptop running Vista... Only background programs running
Installed memory: 4 GB (Did not see this term on other computers)
Total memory: 3.5 GB
Available: 1.7 GB
2) Inspiron E1705 laptop running XP... Only background programs running
Total memory: 2 GB
Available: 1 GB
3) Inspiron 8600 laptop running XP... Only background programs running
Total memory: 1.5 GB
Available: 1 GB
What gives with the sharp drop in memory available? Why is it so different for each computer?
Yes, I know my computer is from the ice age. It was only supposed to be for e-mail and forum surfing while traveling. It has no personal info on the hard drive in case it's stolen. But, I've started using a program that I can only load to about 60% capacity before it chokes. So, will be looking at upgrading my home laptop and moving memory down to this one.
Thanks,
Tom
My friend and I talked about this last night (the blind leading the blind) and he checked his computers and found this:
1) Newest laptop running Vista... Only background programs running
Installed memory: 4 GB (Did not see this term on other computers)
Total memory: 3.5 GB
Available: 1.7 GB
2) Inspiron E1705 laptop running XP... Only background programs running
Total memory: 2 GB
Available: 1 GB
3) Inspiron 8600 laptop running XP... Only background programs running
Total memory: 1.5 GB
Available: 1 GB
What gives with the sharp drop in memory available? Why is it so different for each computer?
Yes, I know my computer is from the ice age. It was only supposed to be for e-mail and forum surfing while traveling. It has no personal info on the hard drive in case it's stolen. But, I've started using a program that I can only load to about 60% capacity before it chokes. So, will be looking at upgrading my home laptop and moving memory down to this one.
Thanks,
Tom