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Windows Processes

When a Windows program is run that requires RAM or CPU usage, it loads as a process in Windows. Processes consume resources - the most important of which being memory (RAM) and CPU usage, so in order to maintain an efficient and streamlined Windows PC, you need to understand what these processes are. If you spot a rogue process (e.g. the trojan virus msblast.exe), terminate the process and find a means to stop it's execution in the future. (Over time, if you find your PC slowing down, it may be due to processes which have been unknownigly added to your startup list.) Check your processes by pressing Ctrl + Alt + Del to bring up the Task Manager and then select Processes)

Below are descriptions pertaining to common processes:

Process

Short Description

Description

bcmsmmsg.exe

 BCM voicemodem driver Required for dial-up if you have one of these modems
csrss.exe Client/Server Runtime Server Subsystem
 Windows Client Server Runtime Subsystem handles Windows and Graphics Functions for all Subsystems

dcfssvc.exe

 Kodak Easyshare Enables transer of digital photos from a digital camera to a PC. (Adds camera icon to My Computer)

defwatch.exe

 Norton AntiVirus
 Norton Anti-Virus scans your files and email for viruses
dsentry.exe Dell DVD Sentry dsentry.exe is an application provided by Dell. It stops the autorun application from executing on disc insertion. This is a non-essential process. Disabling or enabling this is down to user
dwwin.exe
Microsoft Doctor Watson Part of the Microsoft Doctor Watson error reporting tool which comes packaged with some Microsoft products. This program is important for the stable and secure running of your computer and should not be terminated.

lsass.exe

 Local Security Authority Service
 Windows Local Security Authority Server Process Handles Windows Security Mechanisms
msascui.exe Windows Defender Microsoft's Anti-Spyware product (currently free on BETA release)

msimn.exe

 Microsoft Outlook Express Microsoft Outlook Express is an Email and Newsgroup Client included with Microsoft Windows

realsched.exe

 RealOne Player Once installed, it runs independently of RealOne Player. The Scheduler does not collect personal information or communicate with RealNetworks servers. You can configure the Scheduler to only launch certain services such as AutoUpdate , Message Center, and Media Type Helper when RealOne Player is running by following these steps: On the Tools menu, select 'Preferences', ‘Automatic Services’, then uncheck the services you want activated only while RealOne Player is running.

rtvscan.exe

 Norton AntiVirus Corporate Anti-Virus scanning program

smss.exe

 Session Manager Subsystem
 Initializes system environment variables, MS-DOS devices names such as LPT1 and COM1, loads the kernel for the Win32 subsystem, and starts the Windows Logon Process
svchost.exe Service Host Process The Service Host Process is generic host process for services that are run from dynamic-link libraries (DLLs)
vptray.exe Norton Anti-Virus Scans you files and email for viruses
Rogue and unwanted processe

Process

Short Description

Description
Radio.exe Radio UserLand Radio.exe is a process belonging to the Radio Userland web logging tool. This program is non-essential process to the running of the system. Radio.exe is also an advertising program by WinTools/(WebSearch). This process monitors your browsing habits and distributes the data back to the author's servers for analysis. This also prompts advertising popups. This program is a registered security risk and should be removed immediately.
cmesys.exe Gator GAIN Adware cmesys.exe is an advertising program by Gator. This process monitors your browsing habits and distributes the data back to the author's servers for analysis. This also prompts advertising popups. This program is a registered security risk and should be removed immediately.
mscvb32.exe Sobig worm mscvb32.exe is a worm which spread via e-mail. If opened this virus will install itself on the computer and spread to other e-mail addresses in the address book. This program is a registered security risk and should be removed immediately.

 
Finding out product codes of software installed on a PC

If you have purchased a Windows product , installed it on a PC, but had the misfortune of losing the media as well as the product codes and serial numbers, all is not lost. In most cases you can order replacement media (thereby not paying the full cost of the product. Then use a tool such as Belarc which can be downloaded from www.belarc.com. This product will list all the software installed on the PC as well as the serial and product numbers required.