firefox and task manger

I was learning a bit about task manager and couldn't help noticing that despite using firefox as my browser that explorer was also running, Does this sound right? and what is likely to happen if i end the process??

 

Note the process is called explorer, and not iexplore (internet explorer).

Explorer manages stuff like the start menu, taskbar, desktop, and file manager.

If you disable it the whole graphical side of windows will basically disappear untill restarted by a reboot or by using run.

 

Phew, i am glad i didn't end the process. thank you v much. i should probably learn a bit more about it before i start interfering.

 

lol it would have been ok, as I said, restarting the process would give you back your taskbar, desktop icons, start menu etc.

To start a process you can use run. You can get to run either by start and then clicking run or bringing up the task manager, clicking file and then selecting new task. If you type the name of process and click ok, it will start that process. So with the explorer case you would type "explorer", the process would start and it'd be panic over! lol

But as you say, maybe learn a bit more before your next adventure with the task manager

 

thank you for your sound advice. Its all been quite a learning curve, i read on one of the tutorials that it is very simple to find out what tasks are by copying and pasting into you google bar. and if i do decide to end a process i can write it down first and using the method you described i can start it up again if it is something important. but i dont think i really need to mess too much, i just liked the idea of tweeking things in order to help my athsmatic laptop fill its lungs a wee bit more.

 

In general, I just use the task manager to kill off a process which is not responding. A good way to stop unwanted processes from being there in the first place is to stop them from coming up at start up.

There's often loads of junk which sets itself to start up with Windows, such as quicktime, realplayer, updater programs and such like which really slow things down. If you go to run and type 'msconfig', then go to the startup tab, there's a nice list of programs that run at startup. If you uncheck the box next to one, then it will no longer run when you system starts up.

Somethings are obviously good to have start up, antivirus, firewall or perhaps an instant messaging client you use. So it's up to you what you choose to remove. If you're not sure what something is, google it. You'll normally always find some explanation of what it does and then from that decide if you need it.

When you click ok, it'll ask if you want to restart. The next time you do restart, a message will pop up saying that you have changed the start up settings. There's also a little check box which says something like 'do not show or run the system configuration untility at startup' check that and click ok.

If you ever decide you want to have a certain proccess start up again, it's easy. Simply follow the same process as above but this time re-check the box in question.

 

Excellent advice, thank you

 

I just kill off anything that doesn't look familiar.
If its an important one, it will reboot or I will.

 

get process explorer to replace task manager...you learn loads about your system. Just google process explorer.

 

process explorer.. thank you i'll give it a go

 

lol!
Worst.
Advice.
Ever.
Please tell me you're joking...

 

Hi, i downloaded the process explorer, i really like it. It is so clear and easy to understand thank you v much

 

LMAO! Agreed.

There are several websites that will tell you what each process does... I suggest doing some homework before blinding killing off anything that moves.

Matt

 

I have been doing my homework. (no, i havn't been ending random tasks to see what will happen lol )
thanks to process explorer i have cheeked all the processes that suck up my resources like little e-vampires and they were all legitimate or essential tasks.
I had to do this to satisfy my curiosity.
Thanks to all for your comments