Is that just Windows or is that the total memory usage for everything on your laptop?
That's Windows and whatever else is running in the background. Not a whole lot, admittedly, but still. Since when did 350 MB become "horribly bloated" for an entire cutting-edge operating system? Also keep in mind that 7 tends to scale memory usage in relation to how much memory is available.
I still think he'd see an increase in speed by trying out a lightweight linux distro, especially compared to an XP installation that is who knows how old. If he had the install disc, a fresh install of XP would probably show some significant speed boosts as well.
I'm not contesting that a lightweight 'nix or a fresh install of anything would be faster, I just take issue with PA's rampant proclamations of absolute knowledge.
