task manager: before clicking end process - part 1

pc's get a little slow most of the time. so what do you do first? free up the memory. but before you click the end process button, you might want to check out what those processes are. here's mine:


1. alg.exe - Application Layer Gateway Service

The alg.exe executable allows applications (such as IM clients, RTSP, BitTorrent, SIP, and FTP) from a client computer to dynamically utilize passive TCP/ UDP ports in communicating with known ports on a server. This allows software to access applications that reside on another computer even if there is a firewall.

read all about it liutilities.com

i guess this means its good and you dont want to end this process

2. avgrsx.exe - This avgrsx.exe file is from the free antivirus AVG security software. This is part of their antivirus and resident shield software and it helps protect your computer from viruses and outside attacks. This file is considered safe and is not virus or spywrae related.

read it what-is-exe.com

we'll, i have installed their free antivirus so i guess ok.

3. avgtray.exe - i guess it's also from avg. and, it has something to do with their icon on the system tray

4. avgwdsvc.exe - it's service display name is AVG8 WatchDog and is a valid program that is required to run at startup.

details bleepingcomputer.com

5. csrss.exe - Client/Server Runtime Subsystem is a component of the Microsoft Windows NT operating system. It provides the user mode side of the Win32 subsystem and is included in Windows 2000, XP, 2003, Vista and Server 2008.

from wikipedia

6. ctfmon.exe - activates the Alternative User Input Text Input Processor (TIP) and the Microsoft Office Language Bar.

if your pissed about it and want to turn it off, there's a way and it's simple.

go to Control Panel>Regional and Language Options>Languages>Details>Advanced,
and check the box that says "Turn off advanced text services."

that's thanks to pcpitstop.com

now, we just need to know what it stands for

7. explorer.exe - i guess this is self explanatory to windows users

8. flock.exe - this comes from the browser i use and its name is flock. it shares its platform with firefox although, i would say flock is easier to use

get the flock browser

9. hkcmd.exe - Intel's Hotkey Command Module which gets installed by the drivers for onboard VGA cards based on the Intel 81x graphics chipset and which enables you to configure keyboard hotkeys (shortcuts) so that you can access specific programs at the touch of a function key (e.g. Email, Word, Excel, etc...).

read all about at answersthatwork.com

and here's how to disable it, from tomshardware.com

10. hpqwmiex.exe - is a process associated with HP ProtectTools security manager from Hewlett-Packard Development Company

from processlibrary.com

end of part 1. so watch out for the next part.