How can you tell which programs are running at start-up or any given taime?

I once had Free AVG and also Norton on my computer I try to remove them in Add/Change/remove programs. The uninstallation fails because it says my computer is either missing a component or the programs are in use. How can I Tell which programs are in use and if they are, shut them down so I can uninstall these free programs? I am thinking of purchasing an full anti-virus disc from a store and installing it so I have protection. Can anyone help? Thank you in advance.:-o Any suggestion on the best anti-virus program to buy???

 

G'DAY Grandma Beth

it is not recommended to run 2 antivirus programs at the same time this could cause a conflict between the 2 programs and leave your computer unprotected.to remove nortons you can use this tool " http://majorgeeks.com/Norton_Removal_Tool_SymNRT_d4749.html " ,and to remove avg " http://www.majorgeeks.com/CCleaner_Slim_No_Yahoo_Toolbar_English_d4191.html " this program has a uninstaller tool to assist you in the removal also use the registry cleaner function to clean out any left over registry entries.this is a safe program to use.
you should leave one of the av's on your computer until you have purchased you new av.also you may consider using a freeware antivus as there are a few really good av"s to choose from.you can check out the mg recommended av's here " http://www.majorgeeks.com/page.php?id=20 ". good luck.

 

thanks, I tried to use ccleaner but in analyzing it wanted to remove just about everything from my computer especially my word docs and my pictures etc. Is there a way just to click on avg only to be removed?
Of course it says to close all open programs before running, but I don't know how to tell which programs are running let alone how to close them. Maybe old people shouldn't try to use tech - it's very frustrating and you all are very kind, but I'm sure I am driving you crazy with stupid questions.:-o

 

when you first open ccleaner on the left of the window you will have 3 options the first is cleaner the one with the brush,in this mode of use providing it is set at default thats as is when you first install the program it will only remove junk files like the ones you send to the recycle bin and any unassociated temp files.
the second icon is the registry cleaner that the rubic cube,this function will only clean and remove invalid and obsolete registry entries that are no longer associated with any programs.these may be leftover when you install or uninstall a program and are no longer needed.
the 3rd is tools the spanner,if you click on this icon you will be given 3 choices the fist is the uninstaller it will list everything in your add and remove programs list.from that list scroll through and select the program you want to uninstall like avg highlight it and click uninstall and it will launch the uninstaller for that program,its the same as using the add and remove program function found in control panel but more efficient.the 2nd choice is startup manager this will show you what runs on your computer at startup when windows is loading.the 3rd choice is system restore this shows you the system restore points that are on you computer you can use this to manage the amount of restore points kept.
as for the warning about closing any programs that are running i am presuming this is displayed at some point when you are about to install or uninstall a program.this just means that if you have any other windows open like my computer or my documents or any othe program you might be using at that time.
you are not being a bother to post a question here at major geeks if you don't ask you you wont learn and that's what this site is all about,this is a great community of willing people who want to help.