How many processes

[Neofight]

So when windows xp starts, how many processes do I really need going if all I am going to do is connect to the web through my router? Is there a decent list anywhere describing what each process actually does?

 

[Neofight]

Thanks for the response. i will look into it. I Keep my disks pretty cleaned up, i just don't know how to decipher the processes issue. I don't really have a gripe with performance. Mostly just trying to learn. For example why are 5 different versions of svchost running (3 as system, one as network service, one as local service)? I hope to find the answer in the stuff you listed.

 

[HalfHuman]

if we go to extremes u can browse the net having 0 services started.
i found out that after a fresh install after i disable the junk services then i
m left with 24.

to start with u can disable safely: system restore, computer browser, remote registry, indexing service, automatic updates, help and support.

u have 5 instances of svchost because it's a generic process wich can handle multiple tasks. one is for network connection. each of them is at leats one service.

http://www.overclock.net/faqs/40428-info-ultimate-windows-xp-optimizer-guide.html#post429729

here u have a guide to optimize windows xp. it says a word or two about services too.

process xp is the best tool to see the running processes. if u hower over the services it tell u what a svchost is for. autoruns is good too because it shows u what starts when ur computer starts.

http://www.theeldergeek.com/services_guide.htm

and this too

http://www.google.ro/search?hl=ro&q=windows+services+guide&btnG=C%C4%83utare+Google&meta=