Computer acts like something is running all the time

First of all, I am not sure what place to put this prolbem. I have had my computer for almost 2 years, but I am still a newbie!! ok heres my prolbem;

After I am done on the internet and I disconnect, I walk away from my computer and the screen saver comes on after 5 minutes all of a sudden, it will go back to my desktop, like something is running and won't let the screensaver go. To get it to stop I have to restart my computer and then it will be ok for awhile. I have a Dell. It has windows XP and if you need anymore info, please let me know, but use simple terms please!! I really feel dumb when it comes to geek talk!! Just teasin!! Thanks for your time and help!

 

Usually a service like a A/V will cause it, or if you have a program such as P2P, IM, or email will cause the Screen saver to stop. It all has to do with polling.

 

ok, i have an anti virus it is ez anti virus from e trust, i have yahoo im and incredimail for email, what do i have to do to get it to stop polling, it also does it if I get off of the net and just play cards or something else.

 

To stop them from polling would mean stopping the service, and other services in Service.msc. You really cannot stop the devices from polling, due to if you are connected the a router or network, your NIC will poll the network to keep them in sync.