Windows xp Task Manager Help

Depends on your setup, but sounds like you have need of a major spyware and virus removal session. Do this in safe mode after turning off system restore. I would say around 29-36 is about average.

For a partial list of good and bad processes, go here:
www.liutilities.com/products/ wintaskspro/processlibrary/

I would recomment usage of one of anti-spyware utilities to identify processess on you computer. Use one of the following: SpyBot, Ad-Aware or lately introduced Microsoft anti-spyware tool.

Hi,

I do not use any spyware/adware programs.. rather I custom tweak my system and harden it. I have about 40 odd processes which could be trimmed down to about 25 if I did not need those services.

Depending on what all you've got installed (I've no clue from your post) you could be having 70 -90 legitimate processes. You friend may not have so many software installed.

Detail your post as to what you've got installed and how is your XP configured.

you might have spyware, adware that are running as dustD stated.

you can go the the following site for info about them.
http://www.actualresearch.com/

if you do not have Ad-Aware, spy-Bots or Microsoft Anti-spyware download them. You should run them at least once a week.
Also keep Microsoft updated.

also you can do a search at TechRepublic for previous anwsers about spyware and adware
there are a lot of good anwsers here.

good luck