The multiload applet shows memory usage in a retarded form that gives useless
information.  Particularly, it shows how far you've got into filling up disk
cache; and what percent of memory is used total versus how much is disk cache.

The Linux operating system keeps memory 100% full; thus, this pretty much shows
you how far the oil has gotten through the engine after start-up.  Percentages
also may be less useful than absolutes in many cases.

The below format is currently used:

 Memory:
 u% used of which
 c% is cache

Notice that 'u' will typically approach and maintain near 100.  I have suggested
the following format:

 Memory:
 PMiB program memory
 CMiB disk cache

The 'P' value is the absolute usage of program memory, calculated as (U - C).  A
more useful format may also be:

 Memory:
 PMiB programs (p%)
 CMiB cache (c%)

This is a simpler form which shows the percentages, but also simply states how
much memory is used by "programs" and how much is used for "cache."

Other information: