Questions about Running Apps; Cached Processes & RAM usage

[tabletnovice]

Can someone explain the difference to me between Running Apps and Cached Processes: Settings > Apps > Running ^ Show cached processes

Also, I have about 4.5 GB internal storage left (8 GB total, which is actually plenty enough for me). I haven't installed a lot of memory hog programs. It shows ever so slightly over 50% of the RAM being used. Is this amount about normal?

Thanks.

 

[paulsalter]

From my understanding

50% ram is normal, the OS uses a fair bit and will adjust if something needs more

Cached Processes are apps that are not running but still use up RAM, so if you run them again they load up much quicker, however if something does need the RAM they are using some of them will be automatically closed by the OS

Running apps are as it says, apps currently running

 

[tabletnovice]

Thanks, paulsalter, for the very helpful explanations.

however if something does need the RAM they are using some of them will be automatically closed by the OS

Interesting and good to know.