Total vs Available Physical Memory

[mmshrink2]

I have 265MB of DDR, and I'm running Windows XP. System Information tells me that I have only 79MB available physical memory. How come this discrepancy and what can I do to increase my available memory? I have 25 processes running according to the Task Manager.
Thanks

 

[kjv1611]

That is the memory not currently being used of your physical ram. With XP, it'd probably be best to have at least 512 in order to not see any lags. I personally have 1gig of ram, and that's awesome, though not required if you won't be running more than office apps. 512 seems to be great for any type setup, and in my opinion, should be the minimum, as machines with any less seem to see lags in performance (based on my personal experience with various pc's).

Stephen
"Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life:
no man cometh unto the Father, but by me." John 14:6 KJV

 

[satrow]

Each successive version of Windows requires more RAM just to start to the Desktop; Win95 @ 24Mb, Win98 @ 60Mb, WinME @ 100Mb and WinXP @ 160Mb. This operating system overhead is normal, the easiest way to increase the available memory is to increase the amount installed; throw some money at it!

Andy.

 

[DragonQ0105]

The MINIMUM/RECOMMENDED Requirements are:

95 = 8MB/16MB
98 = 16MB/32MB
ME = 32MB/64MB
2000 = 64MB/128MB
XP = 128MB/192MB

256MB is fine on Windows XP - but if you want to play the latest 3D Games (e.g. Unreal Tournament, Age of Mythology etc.), 512MB is recommended.

1GB of RAM is affordable now (1GB of DDR PC3200 RAM is less than £100 now), and makes sure any current application can run smoothly.

 

[mmshrink2]

Thanks very much for your prompt replies. Point taken.