What is the least amount of processes in task manager should i have running?

[XenoBreak]

I got like 30 or more proxesses running at any given time. Somtimes even like 6 iexplorer.exe even when i havent used it all day. And like 4 or 5 scvhost.exe. i hear all over internet that all you really need to make your computer function is like explorer.exe and like taskmgr.exe or somthing. But everytime i try to end a process 90% of the time it sais i cant and it wont let me.

Wha exaclty should i have open and should not? (Just to make the computer + internet run).

Dell Computer
Windows XP sp2
1gig ram
160gb harddrive
ati radion x300 series video card

[Ant]

Despite what you may have heard, your computer could have 40 or more legitimate tasks running concurrently. Most of them will be critical software components for windows and/or applications. However, many of them are not necessary.

Some of the tasks will be associated with programs you have running such as Virus checkers, web connections etc. svchosts is just a generic term which means another particluar process is running.

I currently have 32 processes running, but only one application, this IE window.

If you want to eliminate any unnecessary proceeses, which may be slowing your computer down take a look here:

http://www.answersthatwork.com/Taskl...s/tasklist.htm

You can find almost all the tasks you're likely to have running and help as to what they're doing and whether they're necessary, unnecessary or downright dangerous.

[Jazz]

In addition to the comments by Ant, have a thorough read of the following link, with respect to Windows XP Services. However, pay particular attention to dependencies: -

Windows XP Home and Professional Service Pack 2 Service Configurations

Happy tweaking..........