Process Library – Online Resource For Process Information

Ever wonder what processes such as “ctfmon” or files with extensions like .exe or .dll were? The Process Library is an excellent resource to not only tell you what these files are, but also let you know what you should and should not be running on your computer. It was named one of PC Magazines Top 100 Websites in 2007.

The Process Library is free and is a unique database that lists everything you should and shouldn’t be running on your computer. Many processes are spyware and trojans and other processes may be slowing your computer down by running in the background. Another thing I like about the Process Library is that it recommends whether you should terminate processes or leave them alone.

How It Works

I took a look at my startup programs and selected “Ctfmon,” then typed it into the search area of the Process Manager. Below is the page that displayed for the program. It gave me a “Safe” security rating, told me it was a Microsoft Office Suite program, it should not be disabled and on a scale of 0-5, it had a 0 security risk.

Free Tools
Process Scanner – Scans and gives you a complete analysis of all the processes running on your computer along with a risk analysis.

Process Quick Link – Provides a handy “i” button next in the “Processes” Tab in your “Windows Task Manager.” It gives you detailed information on each process currently running on your computer. You can access your Windows Task Manager by holding down the Ctrl + Alt + Del buttons on your keyboard or you can quickly access it by clicking on the “i” once installed.

“Process Library Forums – If you have any additional questions or are just looking to learn more or to get help, the forums can be very helpful to you.

I’m currently using both the Quick Link and Scanner tools and believe they are invaluable. Have you tried this site or these tools? What are your thoughts on the Process Manager site or the tools they provide?