How to Determine Valid Processes Running in Background?

[Guest]

How can I determine if processes running in the background (I'm referring to
those that appear on the 'processes' tab of Windows Task Manager) are valid?
I wonder if my performance is affected by needless processes, but it's
impossible to tell what many of them are doing.

Thanks,

Chris

 

[Jupiter Jones [MVP]]

Chris;
The lists available here can help you identify which you need to keep:
http://www.pacs-portal.co.uk/startup_content.php#THE_PROGRAMS

 

[Guest]

Thanks, Jupiter. However, best I can tell, that site appears to be dealing
solely with programs that run at startup. The site states:

"This is NOT a list of tasks/processes taken from Task Manager or the Close
Program window (CTRL+ALT+DEL) but a list of startup applications, although
you will find some of them listed via this method. Pressing CTRL+ALT+DEL
identifies programs that are currently running - not necessarily at startup.
For a list of tasks/processes you should try WinTasks 5 Standard/Professional
from Uniblue Systems Ltd or the list at AnswersThatWork."

The Uniblue site wants $50 to buy a program. I then went to
http://www.answersthatwork.com/Tasklist_pages/tasklist.htm and that site
appears to be dealing with processes running in Task Manager. However, it's
a bit clunky as you have to select each letter of the alphabet to see the
programs listed that begin with that letter. Guess if I can narrow down the
potential problems, I can just look for those programs on the applicable list.

Thanks,

Chris

 

[Jupiter Jones [MVP]]

The Full-list ZIP lists the processes in the middle column.I have used that
site for about 5 years to identify processes running whether they be
Start-up or otherwise.

--
Jupiter Jones [MVP]
http://www3.telus.net/dandemar
http://www.dts-l.org

 

[Guest]

Terrific, thank you!

Chris

The Full-list ZIP lists the processes in the middle column.I have used that
site for about 5 years to identify processes running whether they be
Start-up or otherwise.

 

[Rock]

How can I determine if processes running in the background (I'm referring to
those that appear on the 'processes' tab of Windows Task Manager) are valid?
I wonder if my performance is affected by needless processes, but it's
impossible to tell what many of them are doing.

Thanks,

Chris

Research sites
www.google.com
http://www.answersthatwork.com/Tasklist_pages/tasklist.htm
http://castlecops.com/StartupList.html
http://www.pacs-portal.co.uk/startup_index.htm
http://www.sysinfo.org/startuplist.php
http://www.theeldergeek.com/services_guide.htm