Tuesday, March 3, 2009

Windows Task Manager In English

Writen by Meryl K. Evans

You use Ctrl+Alt+Del to see what's running on your PC, to close crashed programs and processes, and to check performance. You probably avoid a few processes whose names mean nothing to you, but they're essential to Windows. svchost.exe sure likes to appear all the time and multiple times at that. What's taskmgr.exe? Oh yeah, it's the window you're looking at right now. ctfmon? Is he related to Pokemon? navapsvc.exe? Navy? Napa Valley? Navel? NOTA (none of the above).

This is not a comprehensive list as that would take days. It has the standard processes as well as process names from popular applications. If you want to know about a process, the best place to go is… ProcessLibrary.com. Just like adware and spyware, there are bad processes that come to life thanks to the bad guys like Trojans and viruses. The site has a list of the top five security threats, so watch out for those processes.

Also, beware the bad guys like to use legitimate names of processes. For example, rundll.exe is a system process that should not be terminated. However, recent reports have stated, "It can also be the LOXOSCAM virus depending on Operating System and file path; this is always a virus on Windows XP and 2000 operating systems however."

You can download software that provide more information about the process. Task Manager, as you know, says nothing except the name of the process and how much CPU it's using. One example is Process Explorer, a standalone application that also has the option of replacing the built in Task Manager for windows. It shows you information about which handles and DLLs processes have opened or loaded. http://www.sysinternals.com/ntw2k/freeware/procexp.shtml

acrotray.exe
Acrobat Assistant that is used when printing documents to a PDF. The process should not be removed while converting documents to PDF.

ADService.exe
Active Disk Service is a component of the Iomega zip drive.

AppServices.exe
Also for the Iomega zip drive.

ccEvtMrg.exe
Associated with Symantec's Internet Security Suite. Keep it and protect your PC.

ccSetMgr.exe
Also associated with Symantec's Internet Security Suite. Keep it and protect your PC.

csrss.exe
System process that is the main executable for the Microsoft Client / Server Runtim Server Subsystem. It should not be shut down.

ctfmon.exe
Non-essential system process. If you're using only English as the language, then it is not needed. However, it's recommended to leave it alone.

explorer.exe
This must always be running in the background. It's a user interface process that runs the windows graphical shell for the desktop, task bar, and Start menu.

iexplore.exe
Internet Explorer browser. But why are you using it unless it's for a site that doesn't work in any other browser? Use Firefox instead.

lsass.exe
Local Security Authority Service is a Windows security-related system process for handling local security and login policies.

Navapsvc.exe, nvsrvc32.exe, and navapw32.exe
These are Symantec's North AnvtiVirus processes. They or whatever virus program you use should run all the time.

realsched.exe
RealNetworks Scheduler is not an essential process. It checks for updates for RealNetworks products. It can be safely disabled.

rundll32.exe
A system process that executes DLLs and loads their libraries.

savscan.exe
Nortons AntiVirus process. Keep it.

services.exe
An essential process that manages the starting and stopping of services including the those in boot up and shut down. Do not terminate it.

smss.exe
Session Manager SubSystem is a system process that is a central part of the Windows operating system. If you try to kill it, it will be difficult… hence, the importance of leaving it be.

spoolsv.exe
Microsoft printer spooler service handles local printer processes. It's a system file.

svchost.exe x 6
You may have more than six appearances of this process or less. It's there multiple times to handle processes executed from DLLs. Leave it there.

System
This is a file that stores information related to local hardware settings in the registry under 'HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE'. Kill it and kiss your PC's stability bye bye.

System Idele Process
Calculates the amount of CPU currently in use by applications. This won't go away no matter how hard you try. Don't try it, OK?

taskmgr.exe
Appears when you press Ctrl+Alt+Del.

wdfmgr.exe
Windows Driver Foundation Manager is part of Windows media player 10 and newer. Better not to stop the process.

winlogon.exe
Handles the login and logout processes. It's essential.

winword.exe
The great Carnac says, "You're running Microsoft Word."

Don't panic if you see something you have on the "bad guy" list. svchost.exe is important, but some are good guys and some are bad guys. Do your research before deleting anything. For instance, I have admin.exe, which has been reported as a bad guy. However, it is the admin process for one of my programs. When I closed the program, admin.exe also went away.

Meryl K. Evans, Content Maven, is Editor-in-Chief of eNewsletter Journal and The Remediator Security Digest. She's a slave to a MarketingProfs weekly column and a Web design reference guide at InformIT. She is the author of the popular e-report, How to Start a Business Blog and Build Traffic. Visit her site at http://www.meryl.net/blog/ for free newsletters, articles, and tips.

Monday, March 2, 2009

Wireless Headset Provides You The Freedom Of Movement That You Need

Writen by David G. Petten

Wireless devices are an excellent advancement in technology and electronics that allow us to enjoy the functionality of our various products. They do not need to be plugged into a base unit such as the media player, stereo system, computer or other electronic items. The wireless headset functions on the premise of communication via blue-tooth, infrared signals, or then radio signals. This type of headset enables you to enjoy music, or even enjoy your favorite movie or television series while working out, cooking or while you in the bathroom.

Such wireless headsets are specially designed keeping in mind the convience of people, so that they could enjoy their favorite movie or listen music even while they are in the middle of a room filled with people, without getting disturbed. Sometimes, it so happens that because speakers are in-built in the system of a television or music player, the sound may not be so clear. This makes the person sit too close to the system, in order to listen to the sounds and voices. However with the help wireless headset one can enjoy complete sound clarity at any distance in the room from the actual sound-generating device.

Basically, the wireless headsets have been created with effective a sound component that helps, one move about without missing any of the important sounds to be received. Even companies or call centers now days provides the staff this wireless technology, that they can attend to online conferences without having to be at their desk all the time.

Though this wireless listening mechanism provides freedom of movement while receiving the desirable sounds, yet there are certain limitations to it. The most important limitation is distance problem, because as far as distance is concerned when it comes to clarity. This means, since the device functions on signals of radio active waves or blue tooth, it is manufactured to receive signals within certain proximity of the base unit. Beyond which it begins to grain and also lose connection.

The factors that you need to consider while keeping in mind while selecting a wireless headset are:

-The quality of the speakers and the range till where they work and also the treble.
-The comfort level: They should be comfortable and fit well into the ear so that it does not keep slipping off, or is should not be too heavy for ones ears.
-The battery life: See the battery life is sustain, which in general should be up to six to seven hours. Also make sure the battery comes with a warranty incase something goes wrong.

Wireless Headsets

Sunday, March 1, 2009

Did You Know The New Ipods Can Do All Of This

Writen by Gregg Hall

The iPod has evolved from an introductory techno gadget to a household name in just a few short years and along the way it has developed some cool features. Everyone is into the portable devices these days with clothing and even furniture makers bringing out products that are iPod friendly to hold your new toy without breaking it.

Each new model that has been introduced has shown marked improvement over the last and they have also increased in the number of sizes and colors available while simultaneously offering more storage and download capacity. The intensity of the sound experience simply must be heard to be believed. Just in case you haven't been paying attention lately, here are some of the new cool things the iPod can do.

The all new click wheel will allow you to control a variety of functions with one finger, the shuffle mode from the top of the wheel will allow you to randomize your music play and you can operate the play, stop, pause, forward, and rewind all from the click wheel.

If you want to transfer files to your computer from your portable device you can find hidden files by right clicking on iPod and then choosing tools, and then options. Once in the control panel, select view tab, click hidden files, then show hidden files which will then make all of your files viewable. Now you can move music to your computer that you have bought.

A functional stopwatch is also included with a time zone clock utility. The device also has an iTunes control at the lower part of the screen that allows you to fast-forward and rewind as well as pick your play list and add songs to your favorites. A function also exists to allow you to back up and restore which lets you move your entire library. If you have a Mac you can use the preinstalled text to speech program to transfer any document or webpage into an MP3.

You can also perform synching functions from the menu bar which will let you synch you calendars, address book, pictures and more. If you opt for the optional dock you can use it as a remote control for your iPod and listen to your tunes all over the house through your TV or stereo.

Another really cool feature that I like a lot is the audio books availability allowing you to download books from over 9,000 titles and synch them with your computer. If you are buying the unit for a child, there are even built in parental controls so that you can put limits on what podcasts and music your child is able to access. With the all new iPod there has never been an easier way to access multiple forms of entertainment from audi books to photos.

Gregg Hall is an author living in Navarre Florida. Find more about iPods as well as Electronic Toys and Gadgets at http://www.electronictoysplus.com.