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What are Processes?
Although
you may be running only one or two applications, at any point,
there are literally hundreds of processes and subprocesses that
your computer may be running. Knowing what is running on your
computer has serious implications for computer performance and
security. This article aims at uncovering the truth and providing
you with a wealth of knowledge to empower you witgh complete
control of your computer.
What are Processes?While the term "program"
refers to an executable code (the exe file for MS Word, for
example), a process is a program that is being executed.
When you start a program in Windows, the executable
will be loaded into RAM. Windows will then add the new process
to its internal process list and make sure the process receives
some CPU time as well as memory and other resources.
The WinTasks 5.0 Professional screenshot above
shows a list of processes that may be running on a computer
at any point in time.
A process requests an amount of resources from
Windows. Windows keeps track of which resources are being used
by these processes. As soon as a process is closed or terminated,
all resources used by that process will be returned to Windows
and will then be handed out to other processes.
Unlike memory and similar resources, CPU time
cannot simply be requested but is instead shared equally between
processes. A process can also return the CPU to Windows before
the assigned time slice ends. This is actually what happens
most of the time and is the reason why your CPU usage is not
always at 100 %.
Processes, Security
and Performance
Deep in the recesses of your computer, innumerable processes
are running silently in the background. Some hog system resources,
drastically slowing computers down; others harbour spyware and
Trojans violating privacy and giving hackers free reign on compromised
systems. Most, however, are usually needed for the smooth operation
of your system and the applications running on it.
Calling up the in-built Windows Task Manager
allows you to identify any process which is running or which
looks strange or out of place.
The Task Manager lists a whole set of processes
some of which you recognise immediately. Although you may be
running a couple of programs, the Task Manager shows you that
there are 30 or 40 processes running invisibly in the background.
Unfortunately, this utility is limited for the purposes of full
resource control, improving system performance and safeguarding
against existing threats:
a) Task Manager does not provide any information
that allows you, at a glance, to determine what the various
processes are and what they are doing;
b) The utility does not highlight possible security
threats or any harmless processes that are either not being
used by the system or redundant; and,
c) You cannot determine what action to take
on legitimate processes.
Ignorance is NOT bliss, despite the old saying:
taking action without the relevant information may lead you
to stop legitimate processes (e.g. lsass.exe) and destabilize
your system leaving the unnecessary and/or harmful ones living
on your computer. The correct information is critical to safeguard
your data security and personal privacy. The correct information
is crucial to maximize computer performance.
This information and more is provided by WinTasks
5.0 Professional.
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