Microsoft Windows Task List Programs Glossary by SRP

Sergio R. Pluchinsky

Through years of pc use, I came across problems caused primarily by programs running in the background, programs which in most cases start at the same time as Windows. Sometimes these programs are useful and need to be there; quite often, however, they are not needed, and in too many cases they cause severe problems. This glossary provide guidance on the usefulness or not of these programs, and removal procedures when recommended. In Windows 95/98/ME you can bring up the Task List by pressing Ctrl+Alt+Del. In Windows NT4/2000/XP you bring up the Task List by right-clicking on the Task Bar and choosing "Task Manager". If you know of a background program that is missing from my database, but which you feel others should know about because of its potential side-effects, then let me know via email.

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