Home
Topics
Windows desktop operating systems
Microsoft Windows XP Pro
Improving performance by limiting running processes

Improving performance by limiting running processes

I use Process Explorer in place of the regular Windows task manager, but I am not always sure which programs I can trust. Are there any give-aways that I should be looking for? Are there any common Windows processes that I can kill or suspend that would improve my PC's performance?

Disabling Windows services is a very tricky territory since you can break a lot of things or even keep Windows from booting altogether. Mark Russinovich, creator of Process Explorer, wrote a blog on this running PCs with limited processes that I highly recommend.

More News and Tutorials

Articles

Related glossary terms

Terms for Whatis.com - the technology online dictionary

This was first published in September 2006

Join the conversationComment

Share

Comments

Results

Contribute to the conversation

All fields are required. Comments will appear at the bottom of the article.

Back to top

More from Related TechTarget Sites

Virtual Desktop
Windows Server
Windows IT
Exchange

Virtual Desktop
- Citrix simplifies VDI again with XenDesktop 7-XenApp combo
  
  Citrix VDI admins can deploy and manage XenDesktop and XenApp under the same architecture, something they expected for years.
- Citrix kills its Application Streaming feature, directs users to App-V
  
  Citrix has officially ceased development and support for its Application Streaming feature, and has directed IT pros to use Microsoft App-V instead.
- Citrix expected to tackle mobile application delivery, VDI costs
  
  As Citrix Synergy 2013 kicks off in Anaheim, attendees hope to learn about new desktop and application delivery strategies for the mobile world.
Windows Server
- Microsoft delivers patch updates for Windows Server 2012, Windows 8
  
  Microsoft delivered two critical and eight important bulletins in May's Patch Tuesday release, fixing issues in Windows Server 2012 and Office apps.
- Windows Azure Active Directory steps out of the shadows
  
  As Windows Azure Active Directory moves into general availability, we look at how it can help admins manage user authentication in the cloud.
- Steps to read XML files with PowerShell
  
  Wondering how to get PowerShell to read XML files? Our expert explains a few methods you could use.
Windows IT
- How to advance your cloud skills and get ahead of the gap
  
  There may be a growing shortage of IT pros with cloud skills, but you can take action now and become a valuable asset with the right skills.
- Prepare for a SharePoint 2013 upgrade with five tips
  
  Considering an upgrade to SharePoint 2013? Find out the answers to the most common questions IT pros will ask before making the jump.
- Prioritize your IT tasks and finally conquer your to-do list
  
  It's easy to feel overwhelmed by a growing to-do list of IT tasks, but there are easy ways you can decide what to tackle first and what can wait.
Exchange
- Dismounted Exchange 2010 database refuses to mount
  
  A frustrated admin wants to know how to remount his Exchange 2010 database after discovering event ID 5003. One of our experts offers proper guidance.
- Exchange Global Address List updates not replicating to sites
  
  For some reason, an admin's Exchange Global Address List updates are not updating to sites. Our expert has several suggestions to fix the issue.
- Replacing Forefront TMG: Alternate reverse-proxy options for Exchange
  
  With the discontinuation of Forefront TMG, Exchange admins are left wondering what to do moving forward. The available options may surprise you.

All Rights Reserved,Copyright 2008 - 2013, TechTarget