You are suffering from a very, very common problem with Windows, and Windows programs that do not utilize memory / RAM very efficiently.
I will ask that you take a moment to consider my answer. I'm going to give you a couple of choices on this.
> One, I'm going to offer you a semi-quick fix to partly, only partly eliminate some of the problems with low resources.
> Two, I'm going to give you the choice, by following my recommendations below, to become proactive in your PC usage, and make the move to knowing more about your PC,
how it works, and more importantly, how to maintain it.
Your computer loads up many smaller functions, and programs on startup, besides Windows. You know that.
> When looking at the programs or apps that load at startup,
it isn't always the number of programs, but which ones.
Here is how to see a list of programs that load at startup.
Go to:
> START
> PROGRAMS
> ACCESSORIES
> SYSTEM TOOLS
> SYSTEM INFORMATION
There you will find:
A tool bar:
> Choose TOOLS
& System Configuration Utility
> Go to Startup
Inside is the programs. Alongside them are CHECK BOXES. Uncheck a box,and that program doesn't load up anymore.
Common programs to DUMP are: Real Player; AOL IM; Printer Monitor software; Microsoft IM; Utility software that is a great resource hog.
Take a look at the list on your computer.
> Send me a list of what is in the STARTUP LIST.
You may also have SPYWARE on your computer. Those are evil programs that will cause excessive CPU and memory usage.
Please write back with a comprehensive list of all that is listed.
I will be able to help you decide what is necessary, and help
illuminate some facts for you.
Now, the big choice comes for you, on how much you want to learn about this one part of Windows: Memory management. (see below)
Geek Reports.
NEXT: On to the geek reports. If you just follow this advice and read this in-depth article, you will know a LOT more that you know now, and many of your questions will be answered. You will also have a strategy that you can start. With this information you can go step by step and learn to optimize your system. It will work better, I absolutely guarantee that, but it won't cure the inherent problems that software causes from using resources, and not letting Windows be able to reclaim those.
On this link: Fred Langa is a true expert, and I do Not use that term lightly. I have built Well over 500+ computers, and I consider myself an authority on the subject of building computers, not an expert. As far as software, Fred Langa is a top pro, a real expert. With that said, here is the link I recommend that you use.
This is a 4-part article. If you read it, like I said above, you will have a much greater understanding of this entire issue, and will be able to move towards making your machine run Much better.