Running a small server...memory troubles...

[Matt G]

So...I got that little machine revived (I used a defibrillator to get it started.)  Actually, it's 
running just fine now.  The rough specs are:

AMD K6 233mhz
256mb ram
4gb hdd
RH9 run level 3
Running several services...sshd, httpd, etc.  

I'm pretty new at running a server, that's for sure.

So, I'm watching 'top' to watch my system performance.  The past few days, it's been getting slower 
and slower.  At start up, with ssh connection, I see about 64mb ram used.  It starts creaping 
up...and up...  then I start a sftp transfer (of 180mb) and it shoots up...now there are 252mb ram 
used...only a few free.   Is that normal?   So...I waited for the file to finish transfering...and 
the memory went up to 247mb used...and stayed there.  Does running a server that's not doing 
anything except a few connections take 250mb?  Or perhaps I'm doing something wrong.  

Also, in 'top' I see lots of stuff running, and I'm not sure it should be.  like...I see 8 httpd 
processes...each using 3% of the memory.  5 for mingetty, several for kscand/*.    Am I doing 
something wrong?

Thanks for any help, 
Matt