I posted this in another thread, but I think it's worth it's own thread since a lot of people ask about how to do things like this.
I have been using WinTasks for a long, long time and I can't encourage everyone enough to download the trial and see what you think. WinTasks is what Task Manager should be.
From their web site:
WinTasks provides a detailed description of each process that is running. It also explains whether a process is either critical to the stable and secure running of your PC or one that should be removed to free up resources and make your system more secure. With all this information, all it takes is clicking either on the Stop or Block button to instantly increase performance and immediately defend against disruptive and destructive security threats.
Awards include CNET.com Editors Choice, ZDNet Editors Choice, PC Magazine 5/5 points, Download.com 5/5 points, Extreme Overclocking Editors Choice, and many more. This utility kicks butt.
Links:
WinTasks main page (Make sure you check out the links in the upper-right for more detailed information.)
Download trial version (I think it's fully functional for a month.)
WinTasks Pro is the first thing I run when looking at cleaning up someone's computer because I can see EVERY process that's running, and all the things that auto-start when Windows loads. And a lot more.
You can also sellect a process and go to their comprehensive online process database to find out more about it. That eliminates a lot of the guesswork about what to keep, what to get rid of, what's safe, etc.
-Doc
I have been using WinTasks for a long, long time and I can't encourage everyone enough to download the trial and see what you think. WinTasks is what Task Manager should be.
From their web site:
WinTasks provides a detailed description of each process that is running. It also explains whether a process is either critical to the stable and secure running of your PC or one that should be removed to free up resources and make your system more secure. With all this information, all it takes is clicking either on the Stop or Block button to instantly increase performance and immediately defend against disruptive and destructive security threats.
Awards include CNET.com Editors Choice, ZDNet Editors Choice, PC Magazine 5/5 points, Download.com 5/5 points, Extreme Overclocking Editors Choice, and many more. This utility kicks butt.
Links:
WinTasks main page (Make sure you check out the links in the upper-right for more detailed information.)
Download trial version (I think it's fully functional for a month.)
WinTasks Pro is the first thing I run when looking at cleaning up someone's computer because I can see EVERY process that's running, and all the things that auto-start when Windows loads. And a lot more.
You can also sellect a process and go to their comprehensive online process database to find out more about it. That eliminates a lot of the guesswork about what to keep, what to get rid of, what's safe, etc.
-Doc
