Windows XP Pro/svcpak2 memory usage

[GeorgeK]

I have 1024 mb in two memory sticks. With all the extra stuff that xp loads, I actually have about 715 mb available for games. A task such as connecting to the internet, and disconnecting, the available ram is further lowered. This also happens when running other things such as checking system info.

Why won't xp release the memory from these simple tasks? When I reboot, the memory is released. Is there a way to prevent xp from holding on to the memory after these simple or any other tasks?