Close Program/Task Manager
This is NOT a list of tasks/processes taken from Task Manager or the Close Program window (CTRL+ALT+DEL) but a list of startup applications, although you will find some of them listed via this method. Pressing CTRL+ALT+DEL identifies programs that are currently running - not necessarily at startup. For a list of tasks/processes you should try WinTasks 5 Standard/Professional from LIUtilities or the list at AnswersThatWork. Therefore, before ending a task/process via CTRL+ALT+DEL just because it has an "X" recommendation, please check whether it's in MSCONFIG or the registry first. An example would be "svchost.exe" - which doesn't appear in either under normal conditions but does via CTRL+ALT+DEL. If in doubt, don't do anything.

Operating System Differences
A number of entries are repeated due to the way that different operating systems display startup items. For example, WinMe lists "POPROXY.EXE" as "Norton eMail Protect" in both MSCONFIG and the registry whereas WinXP lists it as "Poproxy" in MSCONFIG and "Noeton eMail Protect" in the registry.

To avoid the list becoming too large, all VIRUSES are shown using the registry version which is common to all Windows versions.

Alternatively use your browsers search facility - Ctrl+F for IE users.

Key:

"Y" - Normally leave to run at start-up
"N" - Not required - typically infrequently used tasks that can be started manually if necessary
"U" - User's choice - depends whether a user deems it necessary
"X" - Definitely not required - typically viruses, spyware, adware and "resource hogs"
"?" - Unknown

Use your browsers search facility - Ctrl+F for IE users.

X	G00123	[worm filename]	Added by the BUGBROS WORM!
?	g3dctl	g3dctl.exe	??
N	Gadu-Gadu	gg.exe	Polish language Instant Messaging client
N	Gadwin PrintScreen	PrintScreen.exe	Gadwin PrintScreen - utility to capture, print or save the current window
U	Gainward	TBPanel.exe	Configuration utility for Gainward graphics cards. Not required unless you use non-default settings. Available via Start -> Settings -> Control Panel
N	Game Device	JOYUPDRV.EXE	Genius game controller profile activator
X	Games Acceleration	svshost.exe	EasySearch adware
X	Games toolbar	rundll32.exe [path] tbGame.dll, DllShowTB	Topconverting.com180Search "Games Toolbar" adware
N	GameSpot	kontiki.exe	Kontiki Delivery Manager - Windows-based client software that enables secure delivery of content to users' desktops
U	gameutil.exe	gameutil.exe	Part of Redline RegTweak as supplied with Sapphire ATI graphics cards. You can configure different overlclocking settings on a per game basis and this sets those conditions following a re-boot
U	GammaHotKeys	setgamma.exe	Part of the RadeonTweaker program for adjusting ATI Radeon graphics cards. Allows you to adjust the gamma (or brightness) when playing a full-screen game without switching back to the desktop
X	Gator	gator.exe	Spyware - see here for removal instructions
X	Gator eWallet	gator.exe	Gator eWallet from The Gator Corporation. Spyware - see here for removal instructions
X	Gay_Sexy_**	Gay_Sexy_**.exe	Premium rate adult content dialler (where * is a random char)
U	GazelDisplay	gsyno.exe	BT Digital Access USB - Gazel ISDN installation System Tray icon
U	GBTray	GBTray.exe	System Tray icon access to Roxio's (nee Adaptec) GoBack software which allows you to revert back to a previously working state on you hard drive if you install a new program and your system goes faulty - performing the same functions with extra features as System Restore on WinMe/XP systems. Disable before running Scandisk or Defrag. Not required for WinMe/XP users, recommended for Win9x/NT/2K users
U	gcasDtServ	gcasDtServ.exe	Giant Antipsyware - now superseeded by Microsoft Windows AntiSpyware
U	gcasServ	gcasServ.exe	Giant Antipsyware - now superseeded by Microsoft Windows AntiSpyware
?	GCC Reminder	gccrem.exe	Associated with AcraMax Greeting Card Creator. Is it a registration reminder?
N	GCS	GrabClipSave.exe	GrabClipSave screen capture tool
X	GDAX	[path to backdoor]	Added by the RANKY.K TROJAN!
N	GDrive	GDriver.exe	Found on IBM systems. All it does is set the CDROM drive letter to G:. Set your drive letter manually via Start -> Settings -> Control Panel -> System -> Device Manager
N	Gearbox	confsvr.exe	NTL's Gearbox software for configuring internet connections with their NTLWorld software - does a similar job to the Internet Connection Wizard which can be used instead using the dial-up details available here
N	GEARsec	gearsec.exe	Installed by Apple Quicktime package - iPod/iTunes CDRW support. Can be disabled if you only require Quicktime player
X	GEDZAC	GEDZAC.exe	Added by the GEMEL WORM!
N	GemStRmW	GemStRmW.exe	For a GemPlus smart card reader. If it doesn't start automatically when you insert the smart card, start it manually
U	Gene USB Monitor	USBMonit.exe	Monitors USB ports for insertion of Sandisk USB flashdrives
X	general lptt01	general.exe	Variant of the RapidBlaster parasite (in a "General" folder in Program Files). It is not recommended you manually uninstall RapidBlaster but use RapidBlaster Killer - see here
X	general ml097e	general.exe	Variant of the RapidBlaster parasite (in a "General" folder in Program Files). It is not recommended you manually uninstall RapidBlaster but use RapidBlaster Killer - see here
X	Generic host proccess for windows	SVCHOSTS.EXE	Added by an unidentified VIRUS, WORM or TROJAN!
X	Generic Host Process	SCHOST.EXE	Added by the RBOT-NC WORM!
X	Generic Host Process for Win32 Services	ntspcv.exe	Added by the SDBOT.S TROJAN!
X	Generic Host Process for Win32 Services	intspvc.exe	Added by the DINFOR.D WORM!
X	Generic Host Process for Win32 Services	winsvc.exe	Added by the SDBOT-O WORM!
X	Generic Host Process for Win32 Services	bazzi.exe	Added by the AHKER.E WORM!
X	Generic Host Service	lshost.exe	Added by the RBOT.LU WORM!
X	Generic Service Process	regsvc32.exe	Added by the GAOBOT.UJ or GAOBOT.UL WORMS!
X	Generic Services Process	regsvc32.exe	Added by the GAOBOT.SY WORM!
Y	Genie USB Monitor	USBmonitor.exe	Port monitor for an external USB hard drive. Required to enable access to the drive
N	Get Smile	getsmile.exe	Puts smilie faces in your E-mail. Run manually when required
N	GetRight Tray Icon	GETRIGHT.EXE	GetRight from Headlight Software - download manager for resuming downloads and choosing multiple download locations. The freeware version is/was spyware. The registered version isn't if you don't install the Aureate/Radiate software. Available via Start -> Programs
X	GetTheMusic	rundll32.exe MSA64CHK.dll, DllMostrar	MatrixDialer related
N	GhostStartService	GhostStartService.exe	Required to run the Windows based wizard in Norton Ghost - added from the 2003 version. Will start automatically when you run the wizard
N	GhostStartTrayApp	GhostStartTrayApp.exe	System Tray access to Norton Ghost - added from the 2003 version
?	GhostSurfDelSatellite	DeleteSatellite.exe	SpyCatcher spyware remover related. What does it do and is it required?
X	gigabit.exe	gigabit.exe	Added by the BEAGLE.U WORM!
X	GigaByte	Cheatle.exe	Added by the SHODI.B VIRUS!
Y	Gilat SOM Enumerator	dllhost.exe	For Gilat Communications internet satellite systems - associated with SkyBlaster modem. Required if you have this system
Y	GilatFTC	ftc.exe	For Gilat Communications internet satellite systems - associated with SkyBlaster modem. Required if you have this system
X	GinaDll	ntgina.dll	Added by the ANIG.A WORM!
?	GisdnLog	gisdnlog.exe	BT Digital Access USB
U	Glass2k	Glass2k.exe	"Glass2k is a small little program that allows Win2K/XP users to make any window transparent"
Y	Glide	Glidew32.exe	Cirque touchpad driver
X	GLSetIT32	msiexec16.exe	Added by the OPTIX PRO TROJAN!
X	GLSetIT32	isass.exe	Added by a variant of the OPTIX PRO TROJAN!
X	GLSetT32	smsiexec.exe	Added by the OPTIX-D TROJAN!
?	gluon	gluon.exe	In a gluon/bin sub-directory
Y	Gmouse	Gmouse.exe	Amouse mouse driver - required if you use non-standard Windows driver features
U	Gnetmous	gnetmous.exe	Genius NetScroll+ mouse driver - required if you use non-standard Windows driver features
?	gnub	gnub.exe	??
X	Go!Zilla	gozilla.exe	Download manager for resuming downloads and choosing multiple download locations. Advertising spyware
X	Go!Zilla Monster Downloads	Go.exe	Download manager for resuming downloads and choosing multiple download locations. Advertising spyware
U	GoBack	GBMenu.exe	Roxio's (nee Adaptec) GoBack software which allows you to revert back to a previously working state on you hard drive if you install a new program and your system goes faulty - performing the same functions with extra features as System Restore on WinMe/XP systems. Disable before running Scandisk or Defrag. Not required for WinMe/XP users, recommended for Win9x/NT/2K users
U	GoBack	GBTray.exe	System Tray icon access to Roxio's (nee Adaptec) GoBack software which allows you to revert back to a previously working state on you hard drive if you install a new program and your system goes faulty - performing the same functions with extra features as System Restore on WinMe/XP systems. Disable before running Scandisk or Defrag. Not required for WinMe/XP users, recommended for Win9x/NT/2K users
U	GoBack Polling Service	GBPoll.exe	Roxio's (nee Adaptec) GoBack software which allows you to revert back to a previously working state on you hard drive if you install a new program and your system goes faulty - performing the same functions with extra features as System Restore on WinMe/XP systems. Disable before running Scandisk or Defrag. Not required for WinMe/XP users, recommended for Win9x/NT/2K users
U	GoBack Tray Icon	GBTray.exe	System Tray icon access to Roxio's (nee Adaptec) GoBack software which allows you to revert back to a previously working state on you hard drive if you install a new program and your system goes faulty - performing the same functions with extra features as System Restore on WinMe/XP systems. Disable before running Scandisk or Defrag. Not required for WinMe/XP users, recommended for Win9x/NT/2K users
X	GOG	GOG.exe	Added by the PHILIS.B VIRUS!
U	Goldensoft_MndlSvr	MndlSvr.exe	Goldensoft CD Ghost related - turns a computer into a 200X-speed CD-ROM tower. Working from the hard drive, users can simultaneously access as many as 23 virtual CD-ROM drives at a speed of 200X for true multitasking
X	golumm	services.exe	CoolWebSearch parasite variant. Note - this is not the legitimate services.exe process, which should not appear in Msconfig/Startup!
N	Google Desktop Search	GoogleDesktop.exe	Google Desktop Search - "a desktop search application that provides full text search over your email, computer files, chats, and the web pages you've viewed. By making your computer searchable, Google Desktop Search puts your information easily within your reach and frees you from having to manually organize your files, emails, and bookmarks"
N	GoogleDCClient	GoogleDCC.exe	Google Compute Client - only present if you installed the Google Toolbar with "Google Compute" client active. Does complex calculations in the background when idle. If you want to turn it off go to your browser, click on the little double-helix on the Google Toolbar, and click "Stop Computing"
U	GoToMyPC	g2svc.exe	ExpertCity GoToMyPc logon - web-based remote-access solution that allows individuals and companies to register their computers online and then securely access those computers from any web browser
X	gouday.exe	readme.exe	Added by the BEAGLE.C WORM!
N	GRA	gra.exe	Looks at system resources at startup and warns you if they have dropped. Contains links to the Disk Clean Up, Defrag and Start Up Menu. It does have a link to a startup configuration utility. Similar to msconfig but can keep a list of disabled apps. Not really necessary. Only appears if you load the Gateway Startup Utility
?	gramdate	2Stop.exe	??
U	Gravis Appawareloader	dbserver.exe	Looks like it's associated with Gravis game controllers and the Keyset Manager, allowing the user to program the buttons for games that don't support them
U	Gravis Xperience Driver Support	Grxp4exe.exe	Driver for Gravis game controllers such as the Eliminator Aftershock. Must be loaded if you run the supplied application software for the controller to be recognized. Start it manually via a shortcut if not used
?	GrdSys32	GrdSys32.exe	X-Stream ISP software. Offers free Net access funded by on-screen ads. Is it required or can you create your own dial-up networking connection to use on demand?
N	Greetings Workshop	GWREMIND.EXE	You really want to be reminded about somebody's birthday at the expense of resources?
X	gremier	wscript.exe gpremier.vbs	Added by the GPREMIER WORM!
X	Gremlin	intrenat.exe	Added by the DOOMJUICE WORM!
N	Grokster	Grokster.exe	Grokster Peer-To-Peer File Sharing program
N	GrpConv	grpconv.exe	To facilitate the upgrade from Windows 3.1 to Win95/98, an executable file named GRPCONV.EXE is included with Win95/98. This file provides the translation of groups and group items to folders and links unless you need to access Win 3.1 Group files
?	Gscbc	Gscbc.exe	??
X	gshp	zzgshp.vbs	Homepage hi-jacker
N	Gsiconexe	Gsicon.exe	ADSL modem monitor from Eicon Networks (as used by BT for its Broadband internet service for example). Can safely be disabled without affecting the connection - all this does is give an indication of connectivity and access to the diagnostic facilities
N	GSOrganizer	GSOrganizer.exe	GoldenSection Organizer - personal information manager
X	gssomatic	gssomatic.exe	Searchcentrix hijacker
X	GStartup	GMT.exe	Gator spyware variant. See Gator
N	Gtwatch	gtwatch.exe	Associated with a Mustec scanner and not required
N	Guardian	CMGrdian.exe	McAfee's QuickClean, an offline version of the one in their online Clinic. Normally run offline and not needed. Incidentally, incorporates more cleanup programs than the likes of WinOptimizer and System Mechanic
U	GuruNet	GuruNet.exe	GuruNet lets you click on any word on your screen to get the relevant information you want
X	GustavVED	[filename].exe	Added by the OPASERV.H WORM!
X	gvagfxj	rundll32 ...gvagfxj.dll	Unidentified adware, spyware or virus
Y	gw port controller	PORTCT95.EXE	From a visitor - "I must keep it active in start up or my Lexmark printer and RCA Cam program cannot discover a working port to work". From the file properties, the file is known as "Smart Thru Fax Drive Spy" and is supplied by Samsung
N	GWInkMonitor	GWInkMonitor.exe	Gateway ink monitor - makes an annoying popup that says your printer may be running out of ink, do you want to buy some!
N	GWMDMMSG	GWMDMMSG.exe	Used with internal modems on Gateway and vprMatrix PCs. This is the "GTW modem messaging applet" and is not required for the modem to work correctly
U	GWMDMpi	GWMDMpi.exe	Used with internal modems on Gateway PCs such as the 450SX Notebook. Required for audio settings to be maintained and does not remain in memory once run. See here for more information
U	gwum	gwum.exe	Gigabyte utility manager. Loads if you have a Gigabyte motherboard and got a full bundle of utilities installed. Monitors CPU, fans, BIOS etc. Only used by system "tweakers"
?	gyy	gyy.exe	Possibly Gator (and therefore spyware) related?