Process list in w2k prof

On a fresh install of 2000 Pro & after I've disabled the services I don't need, there's only 11 services running, this is also before installing antivirus which generally adds 3 or 4 services.

I use a list called Black Vipers service list, to turn off all un-needed services, you can view a copy here as Black Vipers site is down at the moment.
http://majorgeeks.com/page.php?id=12
It's the XP service list but also allies to Y2K Pro.

As for whether a process in task manager should be running, you can look up the running task here
http://www.answersthatwork.com/Tasklist_pages/tasklist.htm
or Google the process & see what it belongs to.

Providing a list of process which should be running is much more complex than people realise.

The approved task list might include special programs for your keyboard, monitor, mouse, printer, digital camera, and PDA.

And then, there are the applications that you have installed. Do you have office. That can have some processes running even if you don't have any of the office applications open. What about a virus scanner, firewall, install protection, anit-spyware, email program. Also, flash, quicktime, realplayer, and java vm common have processes that are always running.

Are you a part of a network, there may be processes for your network client.

Also, many computer manufacturers add several processes that do things like check for OS patches, check for driver updates, etc.

Also, any icon in the system tray has a process behind it.

If you are concerned about your processes, you have to investigate them since no one else can tell you what processes should be running on your computer.

You should download Process Explorer from sysinternals - http://www.sysinternals.com/Utilities/ProcessExplorer.html

Remember that many viruses, trojans, and other unwanted programs masquerade themselves using names similar or even identical to valid process names.

You can search for processes that you question at http://www.processlibrary.com/

Also, You can use google to look for some information about your processes - search the web and the groups.

Here is a brief list of some of the typical ones that you will find.
Remember, your computer may not run all of these processes and it will definately run more.
alg.exe
csrss.exe
ctfmon
lsass.exe
services.exe
smss.exe - warning, this is also the name of a process assiciate with Win32.Ladex.a Trojan
system
svchost.exe

In short, no one wants to put forth the effort to research their own processes, but no one else can do it for you. If you are concerned, you have to do the work yourself.