Ubuntu Networking :: Reduce Memory Footprint 9.04?

Just wondering if anyone has been successful at reducing the memory footprint of ubu 9.04. I have googled and read a number of "suggestion" but when applied had little or no effect on memory usage. So, after a complete new install, I am here asking this question. It is not a biggie but I am always looking for ways to reduce memory usage without sacrificing functionality.

I try to help others who would like to try and or convert to linux but often their systems have minimal memory and they don't or can't purchase more memory. So, being able to install ubuntu with a smaller memory footprint would be a good thing.

A basic ubuntu 9.04 seems to use about 300 Mb and for many that is too much. Hence, my quest for a smaller memory requirement. I have tried the ubuntu minimal cd's but they don't really achieve much in the memory area and they take so much longer to install since one uses the internet.

At any rate, if someone knows what services or programs that can be safely removed in order to achieve a better memory usage Oh, I have looked at numerous other distro's but seem to always return to ubuntu.