Can anyone tell me how to see what is running the running processes in task manager?

Question

I would just like to know all what is running in my computer. Also what is running in the backround. I think my boyfriend accidently downloaded something he shouldn't have and is running in the backround quietly. He asked me to fix it but I am not sure what it is. It is not in my program files but my computer has a lot of activity going on for what I have on it. It is way to slow for the speed I have. I have already checked for viruses,spyware, and malware. Anyone???

Answer 1

Use process explorer

http://www.microsoft.com/technet/sysinternals/utilities/ProcessExplorer.mspx

Answer 2

press ctrl+alt+delte first. then click on the processes tab, after click on cpu twice and it should tell you what is using your cpu therefore what programs are running at the moment. If you should happen to see anything suspicious, you should right click and click on end process tree.
Do not touch anything in which under User Name it displays system. For example, Svchost.exe is an important program that handle everthing from sound to internet connection proxy settings. Do not try to end it since it seems to be a virus to some people since there are so many Svchost.exes.
Hope that solves your problem

Answer 3

The best suggestion I can give you is to take a look at those processes, see which one is using the most resources when you are not doing anything on the computer.

If there is a process that is using more memory or CPU usage than the other ones listed, try searching for that particular process on google. That will give you an idea of what that process is used for and if it is one that is legitimate.

Answer 4

you can hit the "control..alt delete" buttons at the same time and it will show all you need. also during the start-up, you can find this out by selecting the run from the start menu and type in msconfig, then select the startup tab. this is what is running when the system boots.