Exiting running programs

I am running Windows XP Professional. When I am installing new software, I
get a window telling me to "exit all running programs". Please give me step
by step instructions on how to do this and do I need to restart the programs
after I have finished installing the new software or will rebooting
automatically start the running programs?What happens if I do not exit all
running programs before I install new software.

Thank you very much.

Open the Task Manager either by right clicking the Taskbar and left clicking
the Task Manager name OR Ctrl-Alt-Delete, then close those you see listed
under Applications EXCEPT the installation program. Then click the Processes
tab and close those that you recognize. BE CAREFUL with processes. Leave
items marked as used by the System alone. If you miss some, usually no harm
is done to your program installation. ONE MAJOR ONE to close is your
Anti-Virus program

--
Gene K