Reading ram usage on win 7

[computernewb]

On windows task manager, under total physical memory, there are 4 categories: total, cache, available, and free. Im assuming the "cashed" is the amount being used. However the amount available and free are different. Which one shows how much ram you ARENT using but are able to? Thanks :lol:

 

[tm_nv]

Cache = being used
Available = Totals system memory= RAM +Swapfile+VideoRam
free= What is not being used. (Not including reserved such as videoram)

 

[computernewb]

Cache = being used
Available = Totals system memory= RAM +Swapfile+VideoRam
free= What is not being used. (Not including reserved such as videoram)

what is swapfile?

also how come the cached + free doesnt add up to the total amount of ram i have installed? where did they rest go?
Thanks

 

[Pyree]

Free= free (Nothing on it, use as it is)
Available= Standby + free (Completely empty or unimportant stuff that can be deleted. Can be use as it is and overwritten)
Cached=Standby + modified (Something is there but is not actively in use and quite important. They can be over written, but the content needs to be written onto the HDD if you need to use these space)
In use=In use (Your system is occupying it to run on it, will not be over written)

The other like installed RAM, hardware reserve are self explanatory or there is a pop-up for it on resource monitor.

 

[computernewb]

Best answer selected by computernewb.