Excluding things like graphics, what are the most common tasks that that take up the most RAM?

Answer 1

For the end-user, you got games, graphics, and very large documents that will eat up a lot of memory.

Beyond that, you're into server applications - databases, mail server, networking applications, etc.

Answer 2

For one thing, typing "that" too many times! ;)

Seriously, though, it depends on the given user. If someone uses their computer for little more than a standalone card game (e.g., Solitaire), then it won't take up much RAM at all. Someone who uses online games will take up far more RAM. A judiciously tuned Windows machine will be more efficient than a non-tuned one (e.g., if you never surf the net, then you don't need the communications programs; those can be turned "off" until you need them). Tuning also makes the computer boot-up faster. But, that's not what you asked.

In a nutshell, the operating system (i.e., Windows) takes up a big chunk of RAM, though it isn't "reported" as such via the Windows "Task Manager". The next biggest thing would probably be Internet Explorer, which also arranges most post-Windows 95 desktops, followed by any communications programs, such as broadband handlers, etc. If MS-Office is started during boot-up, it will take up a big chunk of RAM. Outlook takes up a big chunk of RAM. If you have lots of icons on your desktop, combined they take up RAM (think of it this way: your computer has to work harder to maintain all those images when it "refreshes" your screen, which occurs many times per second!).

So, even there's no specific answer to your question, I hope this little explanation helped!