I go into the task manager and find so many processes running. I just was told that .exe files are often ways that allow hackers to get into your computer.
How do I know what is useful and what is not?
Re: Processes
Try downloading a software called HighjackThis and/or Lavasoft Ad-Aware SE Personal.
Re: Processes
you have got to play with 'services' in ur computer.. Make sure u disable only the services which u think is not useful..
Re: Processes
Her question is that how would she know what services are used with the PC and what are nothing but spywares something related to it.
Re: Processes
There are programs and services. Programs are cleared from memory when they are terminated, while services run till you shutdown your PC.
[ol]
[li]Run "Services.msc", you will see:[/li][thumb=H]Services28699_6100593.JPG[/thumb]
[li]Check out information about each service you are going to disable. Many services may not be required by you but they are required for the ones you need.[/li][li]Services settings are global, i.e., any change will apply to all users.[/li][li]Some services come with Windows XP, while some may be installed by a program or driver. So don't disable any service unless you are sure you don't need it.[/li][li]Double Click any service this will display a box like the one in fig. When playing with "services", keep in mind[/li][thumb=H]Services128699_6100593.JPG[/thumb][list=1]
[li]Manual: Allows Windows to run the service whenever needed and don't load it at startup. Not all services can start whenever required, so if you definitely need a service, place it in Automatic.[/li][li]Automatic: Service will load at startup, and unloads itself when not needed any more. It does not unload usually. (Windows after all)[/li][li]Disabled: The service will never be loaded, even when required.[/li][/ol]
[li]About 89 services come with XP, 36 are set to automatic as DEFAULT. Disabling all the "unneeded services frees up 12-70 MB of RAM depending on system.[/li][/list]For a detailed look at services, search the web.
Re: Processes
go to task manager–>processes tab
-sort the processes by username
…note down the ones running from your username and then search them all on google..
ofcourse the easiest thing to do would be to run Lavasoft’s Adaware, Microsoft Anti Spyware or Spybot and let them do the scanning and cleaning.
p.s. how many processes are currently running..
a screenshot of taskmanager processes would help
Re: Processes
*I just was told that .exe files are often ways that allow hackers to get into your computer.
*
Not entirely true. There are plenty of other files which can infect your system. Most of the .exe services/programs you see in the Task Manager are valid/harmless programs.
** How do I know what is useful and what is not?**
There are plenty of ways but none is simple. It all depends upon how much knowledge you have about your operating system. If you are not comfortable with exploring your OS files and are not aware which one are critical, i would suggest that you get help from someone. Otherwise, all the above replies point to the solutions.
Re: Processes
If you read the program names carefully, you may be able to distinguish between those that are needed to run the system from those that sound bogus.
Re: Processes
lol what an idiot.
yeah … if explorer.exe is running, end it at once 
Re: Processes
^ Don't fall for his trick. :p
Re: Processes
You dont have to worry about what is running, if u are not well aware how windows work. Make sure you have an update good Antivirus, & scan your PC with Ad Aware & SypBOT.
If you are really really curious, use the Hijack stuff & print the output here.