What should be running?

What processes should my comp be running? I went to my friend's house and he has like a third of the ones i do... And most people still have less than me...

 

And by processes, i mean processes when im not doing anything.

 

It depends on the setup. There's no rule or figure that applies to everyone.

If you're using XP, you can minimise services. HERE is a list, but only do one at a time, then leave it for a while.

To check startup items, you can use msconfig (start, run). Or even better, StartUp Control Panel.


EDIT: Sorry I took so long.........

 

Try SmartClose.
http://www.snapfiles.com/get/smartclose.html

Thanks to COMPUABLE, MG thread 90781.
SmartClose is a handy tool that allows you to close all currently running programs - a task often required during software installations to minimize conflicts (or during defrag operations). This can be a tedious task when performed manually, and usually requires a restart to get all your programs back up and running. With SmartClose however, the entire process is simplified and automatic, as it stores the running program information is a system snapshot and not only closes all applications for you, but also restarts/restores them later. The program can be customized in various aspects, and a quick wizard also allows you to exclude programs from being closed or restored. It will automatically skip applications that are required for the Windows system to run. In addition, it supports services, as well as Explorer and Internet Explorer windows and saves their current location, so they can be restored properly

SmartClose acts a little like Zone Alarm, in that it doesn't allow stuff to run unless you build up a "run list". First up it closes all processes that it thinks you don't need. Then you add programs that you always want running and away you go. Bazza