I think Cacheman is a great utility. You don't have to poke around files and the registry, since it does it from an easy to use UI. Plus, wizards to guide you through optimizing
your system. If you use this in Windows 98, install
RAMpage, create a batch file for it, and run it whenever an app crashes. In my opinion, using apps in the background slows your computer enough, why throw more at it? With the batch file, it's a one-time use, whenever you need it.
Since I'll be out for awhile, I thought I'd add the batch file:
RAMpage.exe M=20 D=Y O
(That last character is an "O", not a zero...)
Save this to the program directory RAMpage is in, create a shortcut to it on your desktop, and whenever something crashes, run the shortcut to free up the lost memory.
As for swapfile usage, that's in System Properties somewhere, under Virtual Memory. (Sorry, I'm running WinXP.) Set it so it's always the same size, so there's less hard drive crunching.
Here's the articles I've read that helped me out:
RealWorld Answers about Virtual Memory
Resource Leaks, Part 4 (This links to parts 1 through 3 as well)