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Vista - Constant high CPU usage

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Old 04-07-2008   #1 (permalink)
Bhay99


 
 

Constant high CPU usage

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.

My System SpecsSystem Spec
Old 04-07-2008   #2 (permalink)
Ken Blake, MVP


 
 

Re: Constant high CPU usage

On Mon, 7 Apr 2008 14:35:02 -0700, Bhay99
<Bhay99@xxxxxx> wrote:
Quote:

> 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.

--
Ken Blake, Microsoft MVP - Windows Desktop Experience
Please Reply to the Newsgroup
My System SpecsSystem Spec
Old 04-07-2008   #3 (permalink)
Bhay99


 
 

Re: Constant high CPU usage

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" wrote:
Quote:

> On Mon, 7 Apr 2008 14:35:02 -0700, Bhay99
> <Bhay99@xxxxxx> wrote:
>
Quote:

> > 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.
>
> --
> Ken Blake, Microsoft MVP - Windows Desktop Experience
> Please Reply to the Newsgroup
>
My System SpecsSystem Spec
Old 04-07-2008   #4 (permalink)
Ken Blake, MVP


 
 

Re: Constant high CPU usage

On Mon, 7 Apr 2008 15:31:00 -0700, Bhay99
<Bhay99@xxxxxx> wrote:
Quote:

> 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.

Quote:

> "Ken Blake, MVP" wrote:
>
Quote:

> > On Mon, 7 Apr 2008 14:35:02 -0700, Bhay99
> > <Bhay99@xxxxxx> wrote:
> >
Quote:

> > > 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.
> >
> > --
> > Ken Blake, Microsoft MVP - Windows Desktop Experience
> > Please Reply to the Newsgroup
> >
--
Ken Blake, Microsoft MVP - Windows Desktop Experience
Please Reply to the Newsgroup
My System SpecsSystem Spec
Old 04-07-2008   #5 (permalink)
Bob


 
 

Re: Constant high CPU usage

Norton is likely contributing to your problem.
Replace Norton with the free AVG http://free.grisoft.com/ or Avast
http://www.avast.com/eng/avast_4_home.html, and Windows Firewall and Windows
Defender. Disabling Norton is not enough. You need to completely uninstall
it. If it doesn't solve the problem, get rid of Norton anyway. Norton is
known to cause many problems which don't always appear immediately.
Download and run the Norton Removal Tool.
http://service1.symantec.com/SUPPORT...05033108162039
-------
*Report back, please*

Quote:
Quote:
Quote:

>> > On Mon, 7 Apr 2008 14:35:02 -0700, Bhay99
>> > <Bhay99@xxxxxx> wrote:
>> >
>> > > 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.
My System SpecsSystem Spec
Old 04-07-2008   #6 (permalink)
tempting2taanzaa


 
 

Re: Constant high CPU usage

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...
--
Check out the great stores listed here! Receive special offers! Visit
http://driven.mysite.com
Quote:
Quote:
Quote:

>>> > On Mon, 7 Apr 2008 14:35:02 -0700, Bhay99
>>> > <Bhay99@xxxxxx> wrote:
>>> >
>>> > > 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.
>
My System SpecsSystem Spec
Old 04-08-2008   #7 (permalink)
Sergio


 
 

Re: Constant high CPU usage

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
Quote:

> That's normal and doesn't represent a problem (..)
> (..) Windows works hard to find a use for all the memory you
> have all the time (..)

My System SpecsSystem Spec
Old 04-08-2008   #8 (permalink)
Rick Rogers


 
 

Re: Constant high CPU usage

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

"Sergio" <sergio@xxxxxx> wrote in message
news:%23GWL3CVmIHA.5956@xxxxxx
Quote:

> 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
>
Quote:

>> That's normal and doesn't represent a problem (..)
>> (..) Windows works hard to find a use for all the memory you
>> have all the time (..)
>
>
My System SpecsSystem Spec
Old 04-08-2008   #9 (permalink)
Ken Blake, MVP


 
 

Re: Constant high CPU usage

On Tue, 8 Apr 2008 10:15:30 +0200, "Sergio" <sergio@xxxxxx> wrote:
Quote:

> Sorry mate, but I can't beleive that.

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

Quote:

> 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
>
Quote:

> > That's normal and doesn't represent a problem (..)
> > (..) Windows works hard to find a use for all the memory you
> > have all the time (..)
>
--
Ken Blake, Microsoft MVP - Windows Desktop Experience
Please Reply to the Newsgroup
My System SpecsSystem Spec
Old 04-09-2008   #10 (permalink)
SG


 
 

Re: Constant high CPU usage

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/

"Bhay99" <Bhay99@xxxxxx> wrote in message
news:4751D535-CCDF-4014-AE8C-F593EAEC1BD9@xxxxxx
Quote:

> 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" wrote:
>
Quote:

>> On Mon, 7 Apr 2008 14:35:02 -0700, Bhay99
>> <Bhay99@xxxxxx> wrote:
>>
Quote:

>> > 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.
>>
>> --
>> Ken Blake, Microsoft MVP - Windows Desktop Experience
>> Please Reply to the Newsgroup
>>
My System SpecsSystem Spec
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