Understanding XP performance

The below forum post is from a user asking about PF usage in XP.
http://www.computing.net/answers/windows-xp/reducing-pf-usage/169167.html

One of the replies to the post contains the below links to understand performance related topics -

http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=kb;en-us;555223
RAM, Virtual Memory, Pagefile and all that stuff

http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=kb;en-us;310419&Product=winxp
Computer Speed and Performance May Decrease
When you open, then close programs, programs may not free up RAM memory. That is called
"Memory Leak". Restarting computer will clear out its RAM memory.

http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=kb;en-us;308417
HOWTO: Set Performance Options in Windows XP

http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=kb;en-us;314482
How to Configure Paging Files for Optimization and Recovery in Windows XP

http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=kb;en-us;314834&Product=winxp
How to Clear the Windows Paging File at Shutdown

http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=kb;en-us;307886
How To Move the Paging File in Windows XP