* * *task manager-too many running programs?* * *?

Question

I have 70+ processes in my task manager! These all start when I start my comp which slows down my video feed etc. So my q's are:
1) how do I tell which ones I really need to be running all the time?
2) how do disable the ones that are unessasary, so they don't start when I turn on my comp?

I do have mcaffee security center installed.
the process scanner on process library gave me the error message: "failed to send scan results to the server"

Answer 1

Well, there are several ways you can do this.

Probably the easiest way would be to first run any antivirus software you have (update it first), then run any Anti-adware/spyware programs you have, make sure you do it in Safe mode. (I like Spybot S&D and Adaware, both are free).

Running those utilities will get rid of most of the useless processes running on your computer.

From there, I go down the list and I search for the individual processes on a site called http://www.processlibrary.com/

This will tell you what programs use this process and whether or not it is required. Write down all the ones you do not need so you have them handy.

Then go to your start menu and type "msconfig" into your "run" dialog.

This will bring up a program that modifies your startup. Select the startup tab and it will show you a list of programs that start on boot. From there you can uncheck the ones that you do not want starting. Just be careful not to disable any windows files.

Once you have it the way you want it, just restart the computer.

Once you restart, the files should not be running. There will be a dialog box that tells you that you have changed the settings, go ahead and check the "don't show this again" box.

Answer 2

I have often wondered this too. I have gone there and looked at the programs running, but my OS doesn't say what program is what.! So I am weary of getting rid of any for sake of messing up the operation. I would like to see someone say what is what or some web site that decodes these programs.

Answer 3

I need to know this as well