Windows 7 is the ultimate RAM-muncher, consuming an average of 1 gig of RAM while relatively idle. What's it doing with all my RAM**? I could run XP of -300 megabytes of RAM

**Rhetorical question - I have a good idea what the answer is



You can always use task manager to turn off services, but find a list somewhere first, maybe at Elder Geek.

If you don't have a program like these, one can help. Go into the utility that says Start Up programs. Untick programs that don't need to come on when you boot up.
Advanced System Care, free version will do, limited features.
go to [link to download.cnet.com]
Or,
Ace Utilities, nice tight little program, free for 30 days,worth the $20 afterward
[link to www.acelogix.com]