Hi, I just bought a new Dell XPS M1330 with 4 gb ram. Not long after I bought it, I checked its processes and theres 66 running, isn't that too much? because when I use my old windows XP, I only got like 40 runnig. So, is that normal for Vista? Also the memory usage meter shows me that it is using 1.3 aprox. of memory while my computer is doing nothing. Is that also normal for windows vista? Thank you

I don't have a Vista machine handy to check processes running, but yes, 60 sounds a little high. I recommend you see what is started at boot. Since this is a new, factory made PC, I suspect Dell has loaded it up with lots of stuff you don't need. The below are all enhanced Task Manager type programs that will show you what is running on your computer. Each is nice in its own way. What's Running is probably the easiest, with AutoRuns for the more experienced, and Process Explorer the most popular. With these, for example, you can see what processes are using each of those various svchost.exe images.

AutoRuns for Windows
Process Explorer
What's Running

If you see a program running that you don't recognize, look it up at one or more of these sites,

Process Library
Process-dll.com Process and DLL Library
Sysinfo.org Startup Applications List

If still unsure, post the process with your next reply here.

memory usage meter shows me that it is using 1.3 aprox. of memory while my computer is doing nothing. Is that also normal for windows vista?

Understand that your computer is doing nothing when it is unplugged and stuffed in a box - otherwise it is busy. And when you are idle, it gets busy! Windows itself starts indexing files, defragging disks, checking your network (anything this side of your gateway - the modem), and general housekeeping. Anti-malware programs update signature/definition files and scan for malware, etc.

Since this could be due to malware activity, I would suggest you do a quick purge of crud on your system using Windows Disk Cleanup (XP or Vista), ATF Cleaner or CCleaner. If you use CCleaner, then during installation, uncheck the option to install the Yahoo toolbar and before first use, go to Options > Settings > Advanced and ensure Only delete files in Windows Temp folders older than 48 hours is unchecked.

Ensure you know your site credentials (user name and password) for sites you frequent before cleaning; you may have to login again at next visit.

Then download, install, update, and run Malwarebytes's Anti-Malware (MBAM) to make sure your system is free of malware.

Thanks so much Digerati for all the information you given

I will do as you say about the processes. But relating to the memory issue, I dont' understand: so does computer always gets busy doing all the tasks you mentioned? Theres not a chance that it does nothing at some point? Or is there anytime I can manually let the computer just simply do nothing? Also, my computer is almost new is it that easy for malware to get into? I will do the malware software you told me to but just curious about it. Thanks!

Err.. I just downloaded and installed What's Running and I was checking all the processes displayed and most of them are Mircrosoft and almost no Dell's own apps.... =/

Well, that's good. You say most, what about the others? And I doubt you need any Dell apps running too.

The others i refer to like msn, steam, avg, etc. None of those unusual names, the only Dell app I got is the wireless something. and most of the microsoft are svchost.exe!! why theres a bunch of svhost.exe? and they are taking lots of memory too~

There are always 4 - 6 svchost.

Vista does run more processes & use more memory than XP & it wouldn't have surprised me if dell had stuff running. Other software such as iTunes runs stuff continuously. Under control manager, administrative tools, you can run the services program to control some of the stuff that runs automatically. Check for entries that have "automatic" or "automatic (delayed start)" beside them HOWEVER research these processes before turning them off because messing with the wrong processes can cause problems ranging from internet connection issues to system instability. There are a few off the top of my head that I know that you might not need. You can safely turn off "print spooler" if you don't use a printer, & wireless network config if you don't use wireless or you might not need if you use a program that came with the drivers for the adapter which it sounds like you might be doing. Also tablet pc services/tools if you don't connect a tablet pc to your computer.

That just handles services. Other stuff runs automatically from the registry & you can control those by either using msconfig (from start menu) or WinPatrol. These are easier & safer to turn off.

As for malware, I'm not allowed to help you on that. If you suspect malware, you can go to the malware section & start a thread there.

Purely out of interest, I run Vista, and there are usually about 66 items running whenever I've checked.

I keep my computer virus and malware free, No real problem on mine.

All the best.

Purely out of interest, I run Vista, and there are usually about 66 items running whenever I've checked.

Thanks for adding that Fingees. It would appear Kyle is doing fine.