When you start up your PC, there are dozens of invisible processes that go into effect. To see what’s happening in the background of your PC, push Ctrl+Shift+Esc. A pop-up Windows Task Manager window will open listing all of the processes that are being utilized.



Here are a few of the most common ones.

svchost.exe

Svchost.exe is what’s known as the “Generic Host Process” used for administering DLL files (also known as dynamically linked library files). DLLs can’t launch themselves so svchost.exe is the executable file that launches the DLLs within the operating system.

spoolsv.exe

Spoolsv.exe is the built-in Windows service for managing print and fax jobs. This particular process allows you to “spool” printing and faxing in the background so your PC doesn’t get tied up. Thanks to spoolsv.exe, you can print that e-mail while browsing airfare rates to Aruba.

jusched.exe

Jushed.exe is a process utilized by the Java Update Installer. Which, if you utilize any kind of updates manager, you may not need. This process can slow your PC down even when it’s working correctly. You can remove jushed.exe by going to your Control Panel, clicking on Java, and unclick “Check for Updates Automatically” under the Updates tab. Click “Never Check” in the next message window that pops up.

explorer.exe

Explorer.exe is an executable file for Windows Explorer. Windows Explorer is the “graphical user interface” or windows of folders and files that you see when you are opening items within My Computer or the Start menu.

winlogn.exe

Winlogn.exe is a logon process that manages user logons and logoffs in Windows. It is required for Windows user authorization and activation checks. This little process is what loads the user profile after logging on and also locks the profile after inactivity generates the screensaver.

ctfmon.exe

This little guy here is used to activate the Alternative User Input Text Input Processor in Microsoft Office. It also works Microsoft’s Language Bar and enables input through applications like “pen and ink” and “speech.” It loads on startup and runs in the background of Windows on your PC.

services.exe

This particular executable process manages starting and stopping services, as in the automatic sharing when you boot up your PC and then the stopping of those services when you shut down the computer.

csrss.exe

Csrss.exe is the executable file for Microsoft Client Server Runtime to manage things like threading and graphical instruction sets for your PC’s operating system. It provides some very critical functions.

lsass.exe

This process is Microsoft’s local security authentication server, which checks the validity of user id as part of the operating system’s security policy.

smss.exe

Smss.exe is a process that is responsible for managing “sessions” on your PC. It is part of the Windows operating system called Session Manager Subsystem.

All of these startup processes perform specific tasks, some essential, others not so much. If you are noticing a defined slow-down in PC performance, you may want to check the validity of your startups. Oftentimes viruses and malware can be masquerading as one of these .exe files, wreaking havoc on your system. If in doubt, visit a web site like www.processlibrary.com, a library of known start up processes and corresponding security risks.