About Processes

[Guest]

I noticed that where I used to be able to check how much system resources
were free now, I get a bunch of info in the task manager which gives me what
I'm using versus what is left. I noticed this tab to the left of it called
processes which I think might be what the 'close program' option used to
bring up in WIN'98. I've noticed that there are many more things running
there that I don't know what they are for. Same was true for the list in
'close program' in WIN'98 but this list is way bigger and seems to show
several of the same thing, like IE; in fact almost exclusively IE is shown 5
or 6 times in the list. I'm not running any IE browsers at the time I look
there so I figure they are what is left from previous uses.

My question is, are they needed to keep running in the processes option? I
know there is an 'end process' option but I also get a warning that doing so
might cause problems. Short of rebooting, is it possible to eliminate
anything from that list which isn't needed and is simply taking up resources
which I could use for current projects?

How can I tell what is necessary for processes and what isn't, like maybe a
sneaky adware program that got by. Can I end the process of the serveral IEs
that are listed after several hours of work if I'm not presently using any
IE?

 

[Rick \Nutcase\ Rogers]

Hi,

yes, you can usually safely "end process" on IE if it is still listed in
residence. Many programs will do that after being shutdown, most will
eventually shut down on their own. WinXP's task manager is far more involved
than the one you knew in Win98. It shows many things that are going on in
the system, the Win98 version was very limited in only showing certain
applications.

--
Best of Luck,

Rick Rogers, aka "Nutcase" - Microsoft MVP

Associate Expert - WindowsXP Expert Zone

Windows help - www.rickrogers.org

 

[Sharon F]

I noticed that where I used to be able to check how much system resources
were free now, I get a bunch of info in the task manager which gives me what
I'm using versus what is left. I noticed this tab to the left of it called
processes which I think might be what the 'close program' option used to
bring up in WIN'98. I've noticed that there are many more things running
there that I don't know what they are for. Same was true for the list in
'close program' in WIN'98 but this list is way bigger and seems to show
several of the same thing, like IE; in fact almost exclusively IE is shown 5
or 6 times in the list. I'm not running any IE browsers at the time I look
there so I figure they are what is left from previous uses.

My question is, are they needed to keep running in the processes option? I
know there is an 'end process' option but I also get a warning that doing so
might cause problems. Short of rebooting, is it possible to eliminate
anything from that list which isn't needed and is simply taking up resources
which I could use for current projects?

How can I tell what is necessary for processes and what isn't, like maybe a
sneaky adware program that got by. Can I end the process of the serveral IEs
that are listed after several hours of work if I'm not presently using any
IE?

System resources are not an issue in XP. They are still there but the size
allowed is so generous that you don't have to keep an eagle eye on them any
longer.

The length of the processes list in Task Manager can be alarming to someone
who is used to Win98. These are mostly system processes. Their presence is
more informational than anything else. Keep in mind that Win98 had many
system processes running in the background as well- there just wasn't an
interface to see them.

While you may eventually trim down services, disabling those that aren't
needed for your setup, there is no rush to do so. Take your time to learn
what each one is and what it does before making changes. In the meantime,
just focus on the Programs tab. For example, when instructions prompt to
close open programs.

While resources are no longer a problem, having too many items loading in
startup is inefficient and increases the chance of trouble from software
conflicts.. Use Start> Run> MSCONFIG > Startup to get an idea of what
programs are involved. Consider disabling items that you don't use or want
here. Leave the rest. Remember not to worry like you did with Win98 and
treat yourself to a few startup items that are useful to you.

 

[MowGreen [MVP]]

Here's a list of processes broken down to:
Security Risks
Top System Applications
Top Applications
Other Processes

http://www.liutilities.com/products/wintaskspro/processlibrary/

MowGreen [MVP]
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*-343-* FDNY
Never Forgotten
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