Use Ctrl + Alt + Del to see what’s running on your PC, to close blocked programs and processes, and to check performance. You probably avoid some processes whose names mean nothing to you, but are essential for Windows. svchost.exe sure likes to appear all the time and multiple times. What is taskmgr.exe? Oh yeah, it’s the window you’re looking at right now. ctfmon? Is it related to Pokémon? navapsvc.exe? Navy? Napa Valley? Belly button? NOTE (none of the above).
This is not a complete list, as it would take days. It has the standard processes as well as the popular application process names. If you want to learn about a process, the best place to go is … ProcessLibrary.com. Like adware and spyware, bad processes are brought to life by bad guys like Trojans and viruses. The site has a list of the top five security threats, so be careful with those processes.
Also, be careful that the bad guys like to use legitimate process names. For example, rundll.exe is a system process that should not be terminated. However, recent reports have stated: “It can also be the LOXOSCAM virus depending on the operating system and file path; however, it is always a virus on Windows XP and 2000 operating systems.”
You can download software that provides more information about the process. The Task Manager, as you know, does not say anything except the name of the process and the amount of CPU it is using. An example is Process Explorer, a standalone application that also has the option to replace the built-in Task Manager for Windows. It shows you information about which handles and DLL processes have been opened or loaded.
acrotray.exe
Acrobat Assistant used when printing PDF documents. The process should not be eliminated when converting documents to PDF.
ADService.exe
Active Disk Service is a component of the Iomega zip drive.
AppServices.exe
Also for the Iomega zip drive.
ccEvtMrg.exe
Associated with Symantec Internet Security Suite. Save it and protect your PC.
ccSetMgr.exe
Also associated with Symantec’s Internet Security Suite. Save it and protect your PC.
csrss.exe
System process that is the main executable for the Microsoft Client / Server Runtim server subsystem. It should not be closed.
ctfmon.exe
Non-essential system process. If you only use English as a language then it is not necessary. However, it is recommended to leave it alone.
explorer.exe
This should always be running in the background. It is a user interface process that runs the Windows graphical shell for the desktop, the taskbar, and the Start menu.
iexplore.exe
Internet Explorer browser. But why do you use it unless it’s for a site that doesn’t work in any other browser? Use Firefox instead.
lsass.exe
The Local Security Authority Service is a Windows security-related system process for managing local login and security policies.
Navapsvc.exe, nvsrvc32.exe, and navapw32.exe
These are Symantec’s North AnvtiVirus processes. They or whatever virus program you use should be running all the time.
realsched.exe
RealNetworks Scheduler is not an essential process. Check for updates for RealNetworks products. It can be safely disabled.
rundll32.exe
A system process that executes DLL files and loads their libraries.
savscan.exe
Nortons AntiVirus process. Keep him.
services.exe
An essential process that manages the start and stop of services, including start and shutdown. Do not rescind it.
smss.exe
The Session Manager subsystem is a system process that is a central part of the Windows operating system. If you try to kill him, it will be difficult … hence the importance of leaving him alone.
spoolsv.exe
Microsoft’s spooler service handles local printer processes. It is a system file.
svchost.exe x 6
You can have more than six occurrences of this process or less. It is there multiple times to handle processes run from DLL. Leave it there.
System
This is a file that stores information related to the local hardware configuration in the registry at ‘HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE’. Kill it and give your PC stability a kiss.
System design process
Calculates the amount of CPU that applications are currently using. This won’t go away no matter how hard you try. Don’t try it, okay?
taskmgr.exe
Appears when you press Ctrl + Alt + Del.
wdfmgr.exe
Windows Driver Foundation Manager is part of Windows Media Player 10 and later versions. Better not stop the process.
winlogon.exe
Handles the login and logout processes. Is essential.
winword.exe
The great Carnac says, “You are running Microsoft Word.”
Don’t panic if you see something you have on your “bad boy” list. svchost.exe is important, but some are good and some are bad. Do your research before deleting anything. For example, I have admin.exe, which has been reported as bad. However, it is the administration process of one of my programs. When I closed the program, admin.exe also disappeared.
