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Process / Service definitions (Task Mana

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by steve_schaufler

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Is there a "list" available or a utility that explains what the applications or processes that are running in the task manager are for or what function they perform. I would be nice to know what services are running, or I should say which ones are "supposed" to be running. Sometimes when your system hangs or something is just not right, it's possible to look under the process tab and see "who" taking up resources and end task. There are some that are obvious, like IEXPLORER.EXE, WORD.EXE etc. and everyones system will have different processes displayed. However, it would helpful if it was possible to reference a list of these processes and at least you would know which ones not to shut down or understand to result of doing so.

Thanks!!

5 replies

by avachon

Hi, most if not all you want/need to know is in the Windows NT workstation resource kit. For example (pp.279-280):csrss= Client Server Runtime Subsytem, providews window support, shutdown and hard-error handling to the Windows NT environment subsystem; Smss=Session Manager Subsystem; Lsass=Local Security Administration Subsystem, etc. Detailed information about processes and threads throughout the book, implications of changing runtimes,services sharing processes, etc.

by gutridgesj

we used to have a nice nt book on that but the name escapes me at the moment. i would think MS should have some docs on their web site.

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