How do I know if there is aprogram running in the backround slowing my PC down and how can I eliminate it?

Answer 1

It is not recommended that you just eliminate any program running in the background. I would recommend to make sure to do

1) Virus and spyware scan to remove as much as possible. Usually, removing those memory hogging malware and viruses could improve your computer performance
2) Upgrade memory (if possible) since they are relatively cheap and could go a long way on performance
3) Uninstall unnecessary programs & applications (Just having programs might not be bad but they waste memory resources and hard drive space)

At this point, you optimized programs up to a point (for those who are not computer savy)

But if you know the programs running and how to disable programs then go further by:

Removing background programs through:
1) MSCONFIG to minimize startup(by going into Start --> Run --> type "msconfig")

This will stop programs from autoload from Windows start up. Again, it is not advised unless you know what you are doing and disabling

2) Task Manager - This will not remove the program but will end the processes running in the background

Ctrl+Alt+Delete (at the same time) or (Ctrl+Shift+Esc) and Task Manager (for Windows XP) and click Processes tab.
It will show what is utilizing CPU and what is running in the background...


Again, the 3 steps mention above will help properly remove most of the background programs that could slow down your computer.

Answer 2

Bring up your Windows Task Manager (hold Ctrl-Alt-Del) and you can see processes running on your PC and can close the ones that may not be good for your PC (viruses, unneeded processes, etc.)

Also, you can check the currently running services by going to Control Panel>Administration Tools>Services. Some services aren't really needed (especially Messenger, STOP MESSENGER!) but would probably worry more about the processes in the Windows Task Manager.

Answer 3

You have to be familiar with all of the programs on your computer. If you press ctrl+alt+del and select the "processes" tab, it will list everything running. You can also stop processes from here. However, if you don't know what's what, you shouldn't stop processes from running, as they may be important. I would suggest that you find a friend who knows what is running, run a virus and spyware scan, and if you think you have found something harmful, google the name of the process to see what comes up. I have identified many processes, both friendly and unfriendly, in this way.

Answer 4

Press Control-Alt-Delete. Click Task Manager. Then Processes. Most people have 30-40 processes running. A typical Windows XP SP2 system will run on 16-18 when all useless processes are killed. I kill most processes when I start my computer up. Your computer will reach its top performance when you have only the needed processes running. I currently have 19 running and that includes 3 internet explorer windows.

Answer 5

Looking at the Taskmanager is a good indication (Press Crtl+Shift+ESC). There you should see if any of the listed Processes (second tab) consumes loads of CPU time (one before last column, or cpu load - third column from left). Basically, this is only an indication. Shutting anything down from here is DANGEROUS!
Another important step is to run an AntiVirus program (free and good one is AVP - http://www.grisoft.com or Avast! - http://www.avast.com/ - but only ONE!!!, then check with AntiSpyware tools (like Spysweeper http://www.webroots.com or Adaware - http://www.lavasoft.com
And last, but not least run a Rootkit Revealer like BlackLight http://www.f-secure.com/blacklight
Another good method to keep the PC speedy is to regularily defragment the HardDisk ("Start", "Run...", type "dfrg.msc", click OK, select the hard disk (mostly C:), then click Defragment - don't bother clicking Analyze, only wastes time.

Regards,
desrtfx

Answer 6

Press Control + Alt at the same time and while holding them down, press Delete. A little screen will pop up telling you what is running. Scroll down to what you want to close...

Answer 7

accurate click on your toolbar on the bottom of your computer. click on "job manager" then the "techniques" tab. in case you do not understand what they're, Google the approach names (image names) and diverse web content will allow you to already know what they're and in case you ought to close them, besides as a thanks to disable them from beginning without delay on start up-up. attempt downloading ad-conscious too. that is the finest application at eliminating spyware. from time to time alt+ctrl+del will without delay re-start up your workstation. Mine by some skill were provided that putting a lengthy time period in the past, even if the problematic force has been thoroughly wiped countless situations on account that then.

Answer 8

Control Alt Delete. Then go to "processes" You can delete the unwanted that is running in the background.

Answer 9

In WIndows OS..
=>Press Ctrl+Alt+Delete (Task Manager) OR
Presss Ctrl+Shift+Esc (Task Manger).

=> Click on Processes tab and see that if there are any duplicate processes running then delete it (except iexplore.exe , svchost.exe )

Answer 10

Ctrl + Alt + Delete