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  • The Windows Task Manager includes a tab for running processes that shows which programs or services are currently operating. It can sometimes include things that do not need to run. Periodically reviewing running processes is an easy way to ensure that your computer is running efficiently and free from viruses.

    Windows Essential Processes

    Many running process are essential Windows services and applications that cannot be stopped without causing Windows to crash. These processes include the explorer.exe window manager, numerous svchost.exe processes that give programs access to Windows common libraries and the system idle process. A full list of required processes is available at Tweaksforgeeks.com.

    Running Applications

    All running applications will create a process and sometimes even multiple processes. For each program that is running there should be a corresponding process in the task manager. This applies to every type of program, including web browsers, office applications, video games and more.

    Anti-virus

    Anti-virus software often uses multiple processes to keep your computer protected. These processes include virus definition updates, real-time protection, scanners and modules for protecting Internet browsing. For instance, Norton Anti-Virus runs processes called defwatch.exe, ccapp.exe and nprotect.exe, while McAfee Anti-Virus runs processes called mcvsescn.exe, mcupdate.exe, mcvsshld.exe and mcagent.exe.

    Hardware-Specific Programs

    Some graphics cards, monitors, printers and other hardware require software applications to run for best performance. These programs will create processes used to manage and accelerate your hardware drivers.

    Identifying Unknown Processes

    Finding a process that has no apparent purpose should be a cause for concern. At worst, the process could be malicious, and even if that is not the case, unneeded processes could slow your computer down. Numerous websites, such as Whatisthatfile.com, offer process definition searches that can help explain the purpose of unknown processes.

    Source:

    Windows Essential Processes

    Windows 7 and Its Running Processes

    What is svchost.exe?

    Resource:

    Black Viper's Windows Processes Website

    Whatisthatfile.com

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