task manager - processes

[Guest]

Task manager reports I have 5 instances of svchost.exe running, using over 25000 Kb. Do I need all of them? Which processes are "essential"?

 

[MGGP]

Each instance of Svchost process [you see in Task Manager]
launches a list of services. Multiple instances of
Svchost.exe can run at the same time. Four or five
instances of svchost.exe is normal.

Read this:
http://support.microsoft.com/?kbid=314056
and this:
http://www.microsoft.com/security/articles/spyware.asp

WARNING: There are viruses and trojans circulating in the
internet which uses the same name as svchost.exe.

Example: These two viruses copies svchost.exe to the system

Symantec Security Response - W32.Welchia.Worm:
http://securityresponse.symantec.com/avcenter/venc/data/w32
..welchia.worm.html

Symantec Security Response - W32.Assarm@mm:
http://securityresponse.symantec.com/avcenter/venc/data/w32
(e-mail address removed)

Turn on your Internet Connection Firewall.
Use anti-virus and anti-spyware software.
Download and install all Windows Critical Updates

Good Luck !

-----Original Message-----
Task manager reports I have 5 instances of svchost.exe

running, using over 25000 Kb. Do I need all of them? Which
processes are "essential"?

 

[Guest]

Thanks, that helps.
I'm an avid advocate of firewall and A-V usage, but thanks for the heads-up anyway.