Essential Windows Processes

In the battle against spyware and viruses, it is oftencurious as to what a process is, then I'd recommend
necessary to close down programs that are runningWinTasks. WinTasks extensive library of processes
using the task manager. It's hard to know what tomakes it easy to determine exactly what's lurking in
close down unless you know what the  essentialthe background.
Windows processes are. Almost all viruses, and muchI almost always close all non-essential windows
of the spyware will automatically put themselves backprocesses down before I modify Windows startup.
into startup when you remove them if you leave themThat way nothing is memory-resident and can reload
running in the background.itself after I've taken it out out of the registry.
In Windows 98/ME you only need to leave ExplorerRelated Sections
and SysTray running.Process Class
Provides syntax and related reference information
Here is a list of processes in XP that areabout the Process component.
essential:taskmgr.exeexplorer.exesvchost.exe - aCreating System Monitoring Components
.exesmss.exeProvides links to information about the
System Idle ProcessPerformanceMonitor, EventLog, and ServiceController
Likely you will have a few svchost.exe's running. Somecomponents.
of these can be shut down, but it's hard to tell whichProgramming with Components
ones. I usually leave them alone.Gives links to topics about working with components
This is a generic list of essential Windows processes.and authoring your own controls and components.
You will probably have other things running as well, butComponent Authoring Walkthroughs
almost all of those can be closed with no problem.Provides a list of detailed walkthroughs related to
They'll come back on bootup anyway. If ever you'recomponent design and use.