Is this a high CPU usage?

I am feeling that my system is using CPU excessively while idle and surfing. I am posting the task manager snapshots. This first one is taken with system idle.

 

This 2nd snapshot is taken while surfing on dial up with opera browser and multiple open tabs. Is it normal or high?

 

Where those tabs opened on sites with a lot of graphics displayed?, that could be an explanation for the high usage.But on the other hand, I don't see much difference between idle state and when you're browsing, but i see a lot of other processes running and the browser doesn't use is not excessive when you look at the process (opera.exe 35,324 K).

Lamehand

 

55 processes seemed like a lot to me. Do you have multiple profiles on the machine. Then again I`m pretty anal about keeping a very stripped down system.

 

I have only Administrator account.
About 55 proceses-- there are about 7 related to yahoo widgets, 1 mobile meter, then multiple security appliances etc. So I think it is the reason.
But I am surprized the Task Manager itself using more than 10% CPU!!

 

I agree. I only have 27.

 

The absolute number of processes is not the issue.

I have 56, but I see that the OP has lots of "high" memory use stuff that is not really needed, e.g., the yahoo stuff.

Clean out the unnecessary stuff.

 

Very true. As I said, I can be pretty anal about running a bare bones "running in background" type of machine. If I were not on a mixed network with shared printers and other resources I would have even fewer. Mix in my defensive apps. Well, what can you do? Heck, I do`t even run a screen saver.

 

I agree, i think 'less is better' and you can stop all those themes aswell in XP, i find that one of the great features in it.

Lamehand

 

Disabling a few Windows services could help a bit (Black Viper's Services Configuration).
I have 12 processes running after startup and I spared about 50 MB RAM disabling them.
SafeXP [freeware, run only] is usefull to disable the most dangerous services (screenshot).

 

Yes, it's been very good to me too, i use it on both my XP-installs.
It's a shame his site went of the internet.

Lamehand

 

Hello,
What you need first and foremost is more ram - you only have 512M.
On my biggest machine I run ~ 55-60 processes, at only ~ 250-280M and never feel a slowdown whatsoever. But then I have 2G ram.
Mrk

 

Adding more memory ( RAM ) is the most cost effective way of improving performance.

In my older system having 512 MB Ram, I have 34 processes running, cpu usage at 1 % peak ( 99 % system idle process ).

Suggest you google search EndItAll. The freeware version could help you tame your processes the safe way.

 

Evem though my ram usage is usually less than 80 percent?

 

Hello,
Your peak is as high as your physical memory - means you need more.
Mrk

 

OK, Thanks.