Please specify which programs are calling home.

Svchost is a basic system process that supports running programs and it is
not unusual to see several instances. I have 40 or 50 processes running at
any given time. Don't panic.

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Colin Barnhorst [MVP Windows - Virtual Machine]
(Reply to the group only unless otherwise requested)
"Gordon Abbot" wrote in message
...
I just shifted from 98se to xp and am amazed at the number of MS programs
that try to call home or, if you shut them off, bug you.

I have startup cop and am using it to control several of these programs,
but have some basic questions on what I can shut down and not have a
problem. Are there any that are critical to leave open? I note that I have
six svchost.exe open in task manager being used as system (3) Network (2)
and local(1). Why so many? What are they doing? How can I find out what is
using them?

There certainly are quite a few programs in Task Manager. Is there a good
site to describe them and what is not essential?

Currently, just about every help or search program, including windows
explorer, tries to call home when I use it. I have Zone Alarm set to make
them ask, so it is just a minor hassle to control them.

If I set Automatic updates to off and let me do it, Security Manager pops
up and bugs me about as much as Robbie the Robot (remember "Danger Will
Robinson!). How can I shut that off? It will do it with AVG updates, also,
even though AVG does it too (with a black icon in systray).

One other observation. I have certainly had more hits with Spybot, adaware
and A2 with xp than I ever had with 98se. The bad guys really like it.
Which is one reason I am trying to shut down as many programs that like to
call home as I can, since all can be infected and look like they are nice
guys trying to call home, including windows explorer (BTDT).

Sorry for so many questions in one post, but they are all related.

GA
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