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How can I get Win98 to release memory when an application is closed?



 
 
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  #1  
Old November 4th 05, 04:49 AM
Jon Danniken
external usenet poster
 
Posts: n/a
Default How can I get Win98 to release memory when an application is closed?

Hello,

I am running Win98 on a box with 64Mb RAM, and adding more RAM is not an
option at this time.

When I open up an application, for instance Window's Sound Recorder, it uses
a certain amount of RAM. The problem is that when the application is
closed, the RAM memory which it used is not released.

I noticed this by using "Windows System Monitor". In the category "Memory
Manager, Unused Physical Memory", it shows a certain amount of "free" RAM.
When I open up the application, it becomes lowered, but when I close the
application, it does not return to the "pre application" amount.

This is leading to the swapfile being used, which has undesired
consequences, especially in regards to using Sound Recorder to make a
recording.

Is there a method of releasing this RAM after an application which used it
is closed?

Thanks for any suggestions,

Jon

  #2  
Old November 4th 05, 05:02 AM
Chris
external usenet poster
 
Posts: n/a
Default How can I get Win98 to release memory when an application is closed?

Every program should release the same amount of memory which was used by the
application when closed. However, this is microsoft you're talking about.
To fix the problem, you'd need to find an updated version of the software.

Why can't you upgrade the memory? 128MB of RAM costs you next to nothing
these days.

Also, why are you using such an outdated application as Windows Sound
Recorder? There are much better applications out there...every SB card
includes free recording software.


"Jon Danniken" wrote in message
...
Hello,

I am running Win98 on a box with 64Mb RAM, and adding more RAM is not an
option at this time.

When I open up an application, for instance Window's Sound Recorder, it

uses
a certain amount of RAM. The problem is that when the application is
closed, the RAM memory which it used is not released.

I noticed this by using "Windows System Monitor". In the category "Memory
Manager, Unused Physical Memory", it shows a certain amount of "free" RAM.
When I open up the application, it becomes lowered, but when I close the
application, it does not return to the "pre application" amount.

This is leading to the swapfile being used, which has undesired
consequences, especially in regards to using Sound Recorder to make a
recording.

Is there a method of releasing this RAM after an application which used it
is closed?

Thanks for any suggestions,

Jon



  #3  
Old November 4th 05, 05:02 AM posted to microsoft.public.win98.gen_discussion,microsoft.public.win98.performance
Chris[_5_]
external usenet poster
 
Posts: 8
Default How can I get Win98 to release memory when an application is closed?

Every program should release the same amount of memory which was used by the
application when closed. However, this is microsoft you're talking about.
To fix the problem, you'd need to find an updated version of the software.

Why can't you upgrade the memory? 128MB of RAM costs you next to nothing
these days.

Also, why are you using such an outdated application as Windows Sound
Recorder? There are much better applications out there...every SB card
includes free recording software.


"Jon Danniken" wrote in message
...
Hello,

I am running Win98 on a box with 64Mb RAM, and adding more RAM is not an
option at this time.

When I open up an application, for instance Window's Sound Recorder, it

uses
a certain amount of RAM. The problem is that when the application is
closed, the RAM memory which it used is not released.

I noticed this by using "Windows System Monitor". In the category "Memory
Manager, Unused Physical Memory", it shows a certain amount of "free" RAM.
When I open up the application, it becomes lowered, but when I close the
application, it does not return to the "pre application" amount.

This is leading to the swapfile being used, which has undesired
consequences, especially in regards to using Sound Recorder to make a
recording.

Is there a method of releasing this RAM after an application which used it
is closed?

Thanks for any suggestions,

Jon



  #4  
Old November 4th 05, 04:40 PM
Ron Badour
external usenet poster
 
Posts: n/a
Default How can I get Win98 to release memory when an application is closed?

The W98 memory manager will release unused memory when there is a need to
(i.e., something else needs it). This particular reading is not terribly
useful since there should be little unused physical memory if the system is
working correctly. Of course if you have 768 mb of ram installed and are
only using 300 mb, then there will be a large amount being reflected as
unused. What you should be concerned about is the amount of swap file being
used. W98 anticipates how much memory is going to be required to run the
operations on your PC and establishes a swap file big enough to handle it.
However, if you have sufficient ram installed, the swap file will not be
used. If it is being used (say 15/20 mb), then it might be worth it to
install more ram. I can tell you that 64 mb of ram is not much these days
depending on how many ram intensive programs you are running. It sounds as
if your PC may have SDRam installed and if so, you can pick up a 128 mb
stick for $20 and a $256 mb stick for $35 (I looked at one site only, you
may even be able to get a better price if you do some searching):

http://www.tigerdirect.com/applicati...ory_memory.asp

Whatever you do, do not get one of the snake oil programs (such as MemTurbo)
that frees up ram as they run counter to the W98 memory manager and will
probably do more harm than good. I do not know of any knowledgeable user
who believes these programs have some value. Do a search on the newsgroups
using: MVP Memturbo and you will see what I mean.
http://groups.google.com/groups

--
Regards


Ron Badour, MS MVP for W98
Tips: http://home.satx.rr.com/badour
Knowledge Base Info:
http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?pr=kbinfo



"Jon Danniken" wrote in message
...
Hello,

I am running Win98 on a box with 64Mb RAM, and adding more RAM is not an
option at this time.

When I open up an application, for instance Window's Sound Recorder, it
uses
a certain amount of RAM. The problem is that when the application is
closed, the RAM memory which it used is not released.

I noticed this by using "Windows System Monitor". In the category "Memory
Manager, Unused Physical Memory", it shows a certain amount of "free" RAM.
When I open up the application, it becomes lowered, but when I close the
application, it does not return to the "pre application" amount.

This is leading to the swapfile being used, which has undesired
consequences, especially in regards to using Sound Recorder to make a
recording.

Is there a method of releasing this RAM after an application which used it
is closed?

Thanks for any suggestions,

Jon



  #5  
Old November 4th 05, 04:40 PM posted to microsoft.public.win98.gen_discussion,microsoft.public.win98.performance
Ron Badour
External Usenet User
 
Posts: 957
Default How can I get Win98 to release memory when an application is closed?

The W98 memory manager will release unused memory when there is a need to
(i.e., something else needs it). This particular reading is not terribly
useful since there should be little unused physical memory if the system is
working correctly. Of course if you have 768 mb of ram installed and are
only using 300 mb, then there will be a large amount being reflected as
unused. What you should be concerned about is the amount of swap file being
used. W98 anticipates how much memory is going to be required to run the
operations on your PC and establishes a swap file big enough to handle it.
However, if you have sufficient ram installed, the swap file will not be
used. If it is being used (say 15/20 mb), then it might be worth it to
install more ram. I can tell you that 64 mb of ram is not much these days
depending on how many ram intensive programs you are running. It sounds as
if your PC may have SDRam installed and if so, you can pick up a 128 mb
stick for $20 and a $256 mb stick for $35 (I looked at one site only, you
may even be able to get a better price if you do some searching):

http://www.tigerdirect.com/applicati...ory_memory.asp

Whatever you do, do not get one of the snake oil programs (such as MemTurbo)
that frees up ram as they run counter to the W98 memory manager and will
probably do more harm than good. I do not know of any knowledgeable user
who believes these programs have some value. Do a search on the newsgroups
using: MVP Memturbo and you will see what I mean.
http://groups.google.com/groups

--
Regards


Ron Badour, MS MVP for W98
Tips: http://home.satx.rr.com/badour
Knowledge Base Info:
http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?pr=kbinfo



"Jon Danniken" wrote in message
...
Hello,

I am running Win98 on a box with 64Mb RAM, and adding more RAM is not an
option at this time.

When I open up an application, for instance Window's Sound Recorder, it
uses
a certain amount of RAM. The problem is that when the application is
closed, the RAM memory which it used is not released.

I noticed this by using "Windows System Monitor". In the category "Memory
Manager, Unused Physical Memory", it shows a certain amount of "free" RAM.
When I open up the application, it becomes lowered, but when I close the
application, it does not return to the "pre application" amount.

This is leading to the swapfile being used, which has undesired
consequences, especially in regards to using Sound Recorder to make a
recording.

Is there a method of releasing this RAM after an application which used it
is closed?

Thanks for any suggestions,

Jon



  #6  
Old November 4th 05, 08:14 PM
Ron Martell
external usenet poster
 
Posts: n/a
Default How can I get Win98 to release memory when an application is closed?

"Jon Danniken" wrote:

Hello,

I am running Win98 on a box with 64Mb RAM, and adding more RAM is not an
option at this time.

When I open up an application, for instance Window's Sound Recorder, it uses
a certain amount of RAM. The problem is that when the application is
closed, the RAM memory which it used is not released.

I noticed this by using "Windows System Monitor". In the category "Memory
Manager, Unused Physical Memory", it shows a certain amount of "free" RAM.
When I open up the application, it becomes lowered, but when I close the
application, it does not return to the "pre application" amount.

This is leading to the swapfile being used, which has undesired
consequences, especially in regards to using Sound Recorder to make a
recording.

Is there a method of releasing this RAM after an application which used it
is closed?

Thanks for any suggestions,

Jon


By design Windows will always attempt to find some use, any use
whatever that might potentially be of some benefit, for every bit of
RAM that is installed in the computer; rather than just letting the
RAM sit there idly going to rot and doing absolutely no good for
anybody.

And just as soon as some better use comes along for any of that RAM
then Windows will instaneously drop the more trivial usages so as to
free up whatever amount is now required.

It could be said that "free memory" should more appropriately be
referred to as "useless memory" because that is what it actually
represents - memory for which Windows has so far been totally unable
to find any constructive use for.

Hope this explains the situation.

Good luck

Ron Martell Duncan B.C. Canada
--
Microsoft MVP
On-Line Help Computer Service
http://onlinehelp.bc.ca

In memory of a dear friend Alex Nichol MVP
http://aumha.org/alex.htm
  #7  
Old November 4th 05, 08:14 PM posted to microsoft.public.win98.gen_discussion,microsoft.public.win98.performance
Ron Martell
External Usenet User
 
Posts: 240
Default How can I get Win98 to release memory when an application is closed?

"Jon Danniken" wrote:

Hello,

I am running Win98 on a box with 64Mb RAM, and adding more RAM is not an
option at this time.

When I open up an application, for instance Window's Sound Recorder, it uses
a certain amount of RAM. The problem is that when the application is
closed, the RAM memory which it used is not released.

I noticed this by using "Windows System Monitor". In the category "Memory
Manager, Unused Physical Memory", it shows a certain amount of "free" RAM.
When I open up the application, it becomes lowered, but when I close the
application, it does not return to the "pre application" amount.

This is leading to the swapfile being used, which has undesired
consequences, especially in regards to using Sound Recorder to make a
recording.

Is there a method of releasing this RAM after an application which used it
is closed?

Thanks for any suggestions,

Jon


By design Windows will always attempt to find some use, any use
whatever that might potentially be of some benefit, for every bit of
RAM that is installed in the computer; rather than just letting the
RAM sit there idly going to rot and doing absolutely no good for
anybody.

And just as soon as some better use comes along for any of that RAM
then Windows will instaneously drop the more trivial usages so as to
free up whatever amount is now required.

It could be said that "free memory" should more appropriately be
referred to as "useless memory" because that is what it actually
represents - memory for which Windows has so far been totally unable
to find any constructive use for.

Hope this explains the situation.

Good luck

Ron Martell Duncan B.C. Canada
--
Microsoft MVP
On-Line Help Computer Service
http://onlinehelp.bc.ca

In memory of a dear friend Alex Nichol MVP
http://aumha.org/alex.htm
  #8  
Old November 4th 05, 10:08 PM
Chris
external usenet poster
 
Posts: n/a
Default How can I get Win98 to release memory when an application is closed?


By design Windows will always attempt to find some use, any use
whatever that might potentially be of some benefit, for every bit of
RAM that is installed in the computer; rather than just letting the
RAM sit there idly going to rot and doing absolutely no good for
anybody.

And just as soon as some better use comes along for any of that RAM
then Windows will instaneously drop the more trivial usages so as to
free up whatever amount is now required.

It could be said that "free memory" should more appropriately be
referred to as "useless memory" because that is what it actually
represents - memory for which Windows has so far been totally unable
to find any constructive use for.

Hope this explains the situation.

Good luck

Ron Martell Duncan B.C. Canada
--
Microsoft MVP
On-Line Help Computer Service
http://onlinehelp.bc.ca


"RAM sit there idly going to rot"?
"useless memory"?

Oh my. Do you also share the view of Mr. Gates who stated that "640 K ought
to be enough for anybody." -- Bill Gates, 1981 ????

Heehee....



  #9  
Old November 4th 05, 10:08 PM posted to microsoft.public.win98.gen_discussion,microsoft.public.win98.performance
Chris[_5_]
external usenet poster
 
Posts: 8
Default How can I get Win98 to release memory when an application is closed?


By design Windows will always attempt to find some use, any use
whatever that might potentially be of some benefit, for every bit of
RAM that is installed in the computer; rather than just letting the
RAM sit there idly going to rot and doing absolutely no good for
anybody.

And just as soon as some better use comes along for any of that RAM
then Windows will instaneously drop the more trivial usages so as to
free up whatever amount is now required.

It could be said that "free memory" should more appropriately be
referred to as "useless memory" because that is what it actually
represents - memory for which Windows has so far been totally unable
to find any constructive use for.

Hope this explains the situation.

Good luck

Ron Martell Duncan B.C. Canada
--
Microsoft MVP
On-Line Help Computer Service
http://onlinehelp.bc.ca


"RAM sit there idly going to rot"?
"useless memory"?

Oh my. Do you also share the view of Mr. Gates who stated that "640 K ought
to be enough for anybody." -- Bill Gates, 1981 ????

Heehee....



  #10  
Old November 5th 05, 12:28 AM posted to microsoft.public.win98.gen_discussion,microsoft.public.win98.performance
Jon Danniken
external usenet poster
 
Posts: 3
Default How can I get Win98 to release memory when an application is closed?

Okay, I'll try to spell this out more clearly for you guys.

When I boot into this machine, I have 30Mb of unused physical memory.

When I look at the "Properties" of a 20Mb .wav file, the unused physical
memory drops to 15Mb.

When I close the "Properties" windows, the unused physical memory stays at
15Mb.

If I open 20Mb file (for instance, in SndRec32), the unused physical memory
drops to 0, and a 5Mb page file is used.

xxxxxxxxxxxxxx

Hence my original question: How can I get Win98 to release memory after an
application (or the Properties window) is closed?

Note: As I stated as the *first thing* in my original post, adding more RAM
is not an option at the current time; please do not waste time by belaboring
this point.

Thanks,

Jon

 




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