Running tasks and loaded modules

[Birnster]

When checking out System Information, I have noticed that I have the Kernel32.dll listed 3 times in my running tasks. The file sizes are identical at 524 Kilobytes each. Anybody know if this is normal? I have 256 megs and I use up 100 of this right at start up. I've streamlined my startup programs to the bare necessities. So what eats up all of my RAM at start up?. Running Tasks? Also, what are loaded modules? Are they drivers? Do they soak my RAM? I use Windows ME and have a Hercules Prophet II MX PCI video card. I have allocated 31MB of system memory for textures in PCI mode and 5 MB allocated for Open GL (textures in PCI mode). Probably too many questions here but any insight will be greatly appreciated.

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Birnster

[mjc]

I am going to take a guess that Windows is managing the disk cache (not the Swapfile or virtual memory)...which is ok, in a way, windows will load certain programs into the cache (like IE ) so when you run them it won't have to go to the disk to get them, thereby making the operation of running them faster. Starting in win98, windows could run the programs directly from the cache....so the thing is monitor you RAM and open a few programs, if the amount of RAM doesn't decrease then that program is one that is cached...if it does decrease then it isn't. Now what happens if your cache is large and a number of programs are in it and you open a large program? Windows takes what is in the cache and moves it to the swapfile...and then opens the new program...a nice little program to help manage the cache is CacheMan (http://www.outertech.com/)

Now as to Kernel32 showing up 3 times...do a search for it and see if it shows up anywhere other thatn windows/system...

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mjc
Links list:Computer Links (http://www.dreamwater.org/tech/mjc/index.htm)

Celts are the men that heaven made mad, For all their battles are merry and their songs are all sad.

[Birnster]

Thanks mjc, that shed some light. Q: Can I control what particular programs load into this cache? How does Windows know what programs to load into this at startup? I have been using cacheman and I have it set up for 8MB minimum and 36MB max. Also have it set to automatically close unused dll's. I didn't realize that programs were loaded into this right at startup though. Also, I ran a search on the Kernel32.dll and only got one entry..in Windows/System. Any idea why it shows up 3 times in "running tasks"? 2 of them have a 32 priority. The other has a 128 priority. Your insight is much appreciated.

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Birnster