Rationalise Process List

General Topics
1

Dear Avast Forum,

Is there a more effective way to rationalise my process list?

  • Checked all 61 processes against www.processlibrary.com (please see below)
  • None registered as spyware
  • Most listed as ‘essential and should not be disabled’

Would appreciate any tips for rationalising the processes. I am loathe to attack services or msconfig by myself because I am a newbie with computers.

Unfortunately my ‘let’s muck around with the computer’ initiative has resulted in a non-boot or other problems in the past. Hence why I’m asking you experts!! ;D ;D ;D

Thanks and look forward to the replies!!

Avastfan1

Will modify my process list!!!

2

“If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it.” or even better “First, do no harm.” Your reluctance to muck around without being sure of your ground will serve you well.

Good idea. I don’t advise skipping this step. It’s important to me to know what application or service each process supports.

3

Hi Alan,

Many thanks for your reply.

Do you have any other websites you check your processes against? Processlibrary was the first one I found so I used it.

Any other tips for newbies like me regarding processes?

Thanks!

Avastfan1

4

If your using Winpatrol PRO, you can use it to check the processes and any other programs for that matter. :slight_smile:

5

Hi Bob,

Thanks for that. Is http://www.winpatrol.com/ the official site to download it?

Is it freeware? Or do you have to purchase it?

Does it play nicely with Avast, MBAM and other programs (eg. ZoneAlarm)?

Avastfan1

6

That’s the correct website.
Like avast!, it offers a free version. Like avast!, somethings aren’t offered in the free version.
To check on the programs etc, you need the PRO version.

If you can’t afford it, I would still download and install the free version.
I started that way and then upgraded because the program is that good.
If this sounds like a commercial, that’s also OK. :slight_smile:

7

You can probably reduce the quantity of processes if you are more selective in exactly what you allow to start on your system. There are a ton of programs that by default set themselves to start on boot and load other services (processes into the bargain).

So I wouldn’t be checking the legitimacy of the processes, but checking out what is in your start-up list and limit it it absolute essential applications. This should have a great impact on the number of running processes, mine has 44 processes running and I have a number open at the moment that aren’t normally open. After boot, I think I have 38 running processes.

8

I agree. Including WinPatrol.exe and Avast, I have 26 running process after boot. WinPatrol Free will help you identify your startup programs. For example, I’ve disabled the following startup programs, none of which are needed at startup.
Ad-Watch
Adobe Reader Speed Launcher
6 startup processes added by installing my Brother MFC printer last week!
LogMeIn GUI
QuickTime Task
Adobe Reader Synchronizer

9

Dear Forum,

Many thanks for the replies!

Avastfan1