HEY ALL!
I have a 2GB RAM Toshiba laptop with Core 2 Duo @ 1.83Ghz processor.

I run Windows Vista Premium and I have the Desktop Sidebar with the 2 bars that tell me how much CPU and RAM usage is there.

The RAM bar always shows that its being used at 40% minimum!!! Even when no applications are running! Just the task bar applications which are basically turned off!

Is this normal?

Vista is RAM hungry but 40% could be a tad high. Check your process list in Task Manager to see if there is anything abnormal/high.

Desktop Window Manager is the highest...

Yes. Vista (as far as i know) uses up alot of RAM because it tries to "predict" what the user will do next, so it chucks whatever it thinks is necessary into RAM ready.

I have 2GB of DDR2 PC2 8500, and another 2GB of DDR2 PC2 8000 RAM, (BIOS Force speed to 1066mhz for all) and right now my ram usage is at 53.8%.

This is the "Gadget" i'm using to monitor my RAM and CPU usage:

Windows Live Gallery

And here's my desktop



As you might be able to tell i'm not running anything really intensive - Winamp and msn, thats it (and sidebar and Dreamscene)

Perfect music for a hot summers day right there on your Winamp m8!!

Thanks a lof for the tip, guys!