can someone explain the way to use process explorer?

i am using windows xp, both home and professional.

when trying to fix a "sample not responding" problem (which is caused by some intel wired and wireless networking cards) i came across this process explorer program. i noticed while trying to understand the information i was seeing, that there is a section under a process like svchost.exe that gives various information, including a section of "mutants". i have a working knowledge of most programs, like hijack this and spybot, adaware, etc, but i do not have a programing background,
i was wondering if anyone could give me some insight into what i am seeing, what is normal, and what is the sign of being hacked or spyware residing on my machine?

any comments would be appreciated
dudess