in windows task manager, is my page file usage how much RAM ive used?

 

Im running 512mb of RAM, and right now its pretty full, at 400megs

The page file is hard disk space used to hold stuff from RAM that isn't needed at the moment.

ok, it can't be. I opened like 30 programs and got it up to 586megs filled . Where can i find my RAM usage?

Ctrl + alt + del -> Performance -> Physical Memory (In XP anyway)

in task manager it's described as commit charge in the tab with the graphs about CPU usage I belive.

so my commit charge is my ram usage? this cant be right. It says my commit charge is 515m/1248m

Oh dear, tasking my MCSE knowledge here. I believe the commit charge is the amount of RAM that will be used before the page file is engaged. The number will always be something LESS than the "Available" figure (because it kicks in before you run out).

 

Run a search in the MS KB at support.microsoft.com for more info on Commit Charge, but I don't think that's what you're looking for.

 

I believe the amount of RAM you have currently available for use is the "Available" figure under the Physical Memory heading. The "Total" minus the "Available" would be the amount currently in use.

Hope this helps:

 

http://www.webopedia.com/TERM/C/commit_charge.html