Vista - Major change in performance (for the better) can anyone tell me why?

I have one of those Windows Sidebar Gadgets that show core usage (2), and
RAM
usage. Recently it changed dramatically for the better.

Previously, both cores operated at 40% plus. They never dropped below the
40% threshold. Now, the cores run very low sometimes they are both at 5%,
_rarely_ spiking to 100% seldom. RAM, however, has changed inversely.
Previously, it never dropped below 50%, but seldom spiked above 60%. It was
very constant in usage. BTW, core usage was all over the place, but varied
as you would expect it to, go 100% when opening programs, and staying at the
low end when you would expect it to be. Now, RAM seldom goes below 60%, and
moves steadily toward 100% as more programs are opened. It is not uncommon
for it to reach the 90's in usage.

I think I know what has made the difference, but before I make my guesses
I'd like to know if anyone has some general comments on how the usage
compares to other systems, and what factors would typically affect the cores
and RAM.

System details:
HP Pavilion laptop
Vista Home Premium SP1
Athlon 64 TK53 dual core 1.7Mhz
2GB RAM DDR2



My guesses are below the line
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

1) I changed from Norton 360 to Panda 2009
2) I installed Process Lasso with run at startup option (process
manager/priority manager/ram optimizer)


Thanks in advance,
Danno
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