Memory being eaten (PC Slow downs)

Hi,
I can't figure out why my PC slows down so much when I leave it on for a more that 5 hours. I have a decent processor (P4 1.8), lots of RAM (1024DDR). Usually I have an FTP server, MIRC, AV, and Firewall running in the bacground. The FTP server doesn't get *that* much traffic...so I can't think it's that. I have my swapfile on a second HDD but it doesn't seem to help.
What happens is after a few hours it takes forever to open apps. (even ones that are already running but minimized) -even if I try to restart my PC it takes forever to shut down (ie: end certain tasks).
I regularly run updated versions of Spybot/Adaware. I keep my PC clean from virusses through Kapersky AV, and I'm running ZA Pro for a firewall. My 'weakest link seems to be my processor (P4 1.8) -but a 1.8 seems to be more than adequate for what I'm doing (right?)
I'm thingking memory leak: but I don't know how to tell for sure: are there any proggies that could tell me what is slowing me down so much. -If it's just a matter of monitoring 'Task Manager' could you tell me (in detail) *what* specifically I should be looking for?
Thanks,
522
(PC Info. in Sig.)

 

Thanks Star<17>, I have used BlkVipers site to shutdown unneeded proceces: I assume it mentions many procecces that your link mentions -but still I have the same problem.
Thanks for the quick reply, though
-522.

 

I wouldn't rule out that it could be a virus or worm, despite your antivirus software. I'd run an online scan with McAfee or whatever. Maybe it's just the title of your thread that persuades me to think it could be a worm.

 

It may just be a memory leak in one of the programs that you are running. Try shutting down one program and letting your computer run for a while. If the problem persists, restart and try a different program.

 

Thanks for the ideas. I tried an online virus scanner (Trend Micro) but it didn't find anything -I'm now going to install the MemWatcher program and see if that tells me anything.
Cheers,
522.

 

I know this reply is late in coming, but for what it is worth, Mirc is notorious for memory leak.

 

Hey, thanks for the reply: I do keep mIRC open most of the time -I'll check if that's the problem.
Thanks,
522.

 

As people've mentioned in this thread. you can try checking the "processes" tab of the Task manager, and it will tell you how much cpu each process uses and how much memory each process uses. Look at it, and tell us which processes do that, and someone hear can tell you more about that process and if it's safe to shut off.

Also, it may not necessarily be useful for WinXP, but it was useful for me in win98se, is this nice little memory cleaning program called AnalogX MaxMem which is small and efficient, runs in your system tray and can be set to clear your memory (to different aggressiveness levels) of any excess leakage you have running. And it's freeware.

Hope these help!!
o Draith