Task Manager

[Larry]

What are the minimum processes that need to be running
under the 'PROCESSES' list to free up the maximum computer
processing power for special CPU intensive programs for
WINXP Home Edition?

Some software programs require of course no
other 'applications' be running and I assume that I can
gain additional maximum CPU attention by also ending
uneccessary 'processes' under the PROCESSES list in Task
Manager???????? prior to executing the desired program(s)?

(I cannot find this anywhere in the knowledge bases -
unless I missed it.)

Thanks - Larry