Regarding memory issues what os do you use? If you close a program and it doesn't give memory back in xp something is wrong. Really should not be seeing leaks.Programs that don't actually quit is a no-no also. I have seen adobe reader do this...tho I think it is on purpose to load quicker. If you bring up the task manager and kill it if the app or process is loaded should let go.

No need to think outside the box....
    Just make it invisible.