computer h.d crazy on idle

[Ximensions]

Hi

Why does my hard-drive activity increase and keep going when I'm idle, i.e. doing nothing on my computer? Also, sometimes, my CPU usage increases and stays at almost 100% for extended periods of time when using programs such as dreamweaver, flash and photoshop. Surely these aren't CPU intensive programs?

My configuration:

Windows XP Home Edition
2.8Ghz CPU
512MB RAM

(Sony Vaio 816S, UK)

[Xtreeme]

Youd be surprised what is and isnt cpu intensive. Photoshop CERTAINLY is cpu intensive! Anyhow have you scanned for spyware?

do you have system restore on?

[J-Excel]

When was your last defrag?