What actually is a running process

[WesterServer]

I am just curious to know what this is.
As there are about 20 different running processes running on my machine, its about time i discoverd what a running process is...

[hc4361]

It's a process that is currently running and using your computer's resources.
Such as firewall, antivirus and spyware;
Mouse, keyboard and screen drivers;
email notifier;
software updaters...

Some are essential, some you don't need running all the time.

[WesterServer]

Yes thought it might be something like that.
But could you tell me what the process consists of (ie.is it just line's of text or some sort of code. that tell the computer what to do

[ChuckFickens]

I guess strictly speaking it's both as "some sort of code" would be lines of text.

But in the context you are asking it would be some code that would tell the computer what to do with certain things in certain situations.

[VHG]

While we all talk about "Windows" as thought it was one big program, it is in fact made up of hundreds of small individual programs.

For Windows to work properly a number of these individual programs need to be running, and each one of these running programs is a process.

If you start a new "part" of Windows to do a particular job then another small program may start, and that would be another process.

I guess you are seeing this list in the Windows task manager, but make sure you are seeing them all. On Vista there is an option "Show processes from all usres" so you may have far more than 20 running.

[Old_Geezer]

Thing of them as jobs being done.

As a comparison at any one time you might be breathing, walking into the kitchen to put the kettle on, checking your e-mail on your fancy mobile, and scratching your head. 4 processes at once, but still all part of the overall task of living your life.

[VHG]

>you might be breathing

I hope they are !

[WesterServer]

Hey, Thats Great guys , thankyou for your answer's, so now i know what a process is.
BRILLIANT.....