How to Delete a Program from Computer Memory
Level of difficulty: Intermediate
In the framework of computer systems, a RAM (Random Access Memory) is used to reference the physical memory modules installed on the motherboard and used by the Operating System as a temporary storage area for data to allow the faster computing of the different activities of the installed programs in the machine. Essentially, any application launched in the computer system is first loaded into the memory with its distinct memory address to allow it to have a direct access to the computing power of the processor and hold this bit of data until it is unloaded by the calling program or when the machine is turned off or restarted. Programs that get stuck in memory can cause the machine to perform sluggishly or in some instances may also prevent the machine from rebooting caused by the inability of the memory space needed by the Operating System components to start the system. As a rule, programs are not granted direct access to the physical memory of the machine, rather, the software requests more memory from the Operating System which in turn maps available physical memory to the process’s address space allowing it to function more smoothly.
Materials Needed:- Computer
- Internet connection
- Web browser
- memory tools
Step 1
As stated, the easiest way to remove programs or processes from the RAM is to turn off the machine. However, it is not as simple as just turning it off. The machine must be turned off correctly by shutting it down from the Operating System interface.
Step 2
For Microsoft Windows-based machines, simply click on the 'Start' button, choose 'Turn Off Computer' and click the appropriate option. This will correctly close down all running processes and unload them from the memory;
Step 3
For machines running on the Linux Operating System, the shutdown or reboot process can be done from the Graphical User Interface. It can also be done from the Main Menu or Bar positioned at the sides of the window. It can also be done by typing the appropriate command in the Command Shell.
Step 4
Mac OS users can use the power button or the Control + Eject keyboard shortcuts which will both bring up the Shutdown window. Click on the appropriate option which can be carried out immediately or after the two-minute countdown expires.
Step 5
Since manual optimization of the RAM is a very difficult process, a better alternative is to use memory optimization tools which can be freely downloaded from the Internet. Launch the Web browser and type the http://download.cnet.com/RAMBooster/3000-2086_4-10028673.html text in the address bar. Download and install the RAMBooster 2 software. This is one of the more popular freeware tools in the market.
Step 6
Upon completion of the installation process, click on the 'Start' button and right click on the 'My Computer' icon.
Step 7
From the context menu, select the 'Properties' option. This will bring up the 'System Properties' window and take note of the total Physical Memory installed in the machine.
Step 8
Launch the RAMBooster 2 program to begin the automatic optimization of the RAM.
Step 9
Click on the 'Edit' Menu and choose 'Options'.
Step 10
Select the 'Auto Optimization' feature. This will remove from memory all currently inactive programs and processes to allow better allocation of resources.
Step 11
Take 10 percent of the total RAM size and use the value to indicate the memory size when auto optimization will begin.
Step 12
Set how much RAM should be freed up during the optimization process.
Step 13
In the Run only and CPU usage option, indicate the trigger level when the optimization should automatically kick in. This should be entered in percentage. The default is at 10 percent. Setting it to zero will turn it off while setting it up too high will actually cause the machine to slow down because of the constant memory checking process. This refers to the CPU usage and not the available free memory.
Step 14
Set the interval refresh rate which is by default equivalent to one second.