When using Windows task manager, processes running, it lists abbreviations. Whenever I try to turn off processes, I have to google the initials to find out if it is a needed or critical process. For example msxml which happens to be Office and necessary. But found one ssdko2.exe which is a virus.
My question is there somewhere in this forum or anywhere else where most of these abbrviations are listed and the explanation of what the function is? Then I could take action. Another example is I always delete tea time which is part of spybot. I cannot figure out how to delete it permanently as I like spybot not tea time which takes a lot of space.

I have xp home with sp2 and dell vostro 400.

Thanks

Doesn't sound like a great idea to be switching off processes like this just for the sake of it, through task manager. But since you mention you have Spybot - why not use its built-in tool?
If you have Spybot 1.4, switch to Advanced mode, select 'Tools' and then 'process list'. You'll get a lot more information about each process than Task Manager will give you.
If you have Spybot 1.5 (I don't) the route may be different, but I presume the updated version still has the process list tool?

Thanks for comments Allan. I have Spybot 1.5.2. I looked at the start up applications in Spybot and it also has some initials which does not explain what it is. I was just trying to get rid of any applications I did not need. No big deal was just wondering if their was a list of all of these letters. Spybot is better.

At the very top of this forum is a list of tabs, reading from left to right, they are: Home, Forums, Tutorials, Startup List, Uninstall List, File Database, Glossary and Resources. Using the Startup List, Uninstall List and File Database you should be able to identify any process you need to keep or know what it is. If it doesn't appear in any of those databases. I would post about it as it has a very good chance of being malware.

Process Explorer is a good program which can provide you with more information than Task Manager on processess that are currently running as well as which programs they belong to... and the ability to terminate them. Autoruns is another good program which can give you a detailed list of start up programs and the ability to prevent them from starting when the system starts. You can find more info on the two programs and also be able to download the latest versions from here:
Process Explorer
Autoruns

Alan D, I have Spybot S&D v1.5, and under tools I don't see 'Process List', but there is 'System Startup'. By any chance is that what you were referring to? Or in this new version have they completely withdrawn the 'Process List' if it was there... because I can't remember what the last version had...

Juda next to file at the top is mode. Choose advance mode. Will get a warning. Then listed on the bottom is settings tools just like the older versions. Thanks for the links I will try both.

In version 1.4 there are 'Process List' and 'System Startup' tools. I don't use 1.5, so I don't know what changes they made, I'm afraid.

There's some uncertainty in this thread about whether Charley30 is talking about the startup list (which he mentions in his thread title), or the running processes list (which he seems to be discussing in his post).

Yes, I agree with you Alan. It looks like there's some sort of ambiguity in Charley's question.

As for the Spybot S&D, it looks like they have withdrawn the 'Process List' in v1.5! Maybe someone will confirm for us.

How to Enable/Disable TeaTimer

Spybot S&D Changes & Improvements in v1.5
Spybot S&D FAQs
General questions, Updates, Detections, Bugs and problems, TeaTimer, Error Messages, How-To

Determining whether a file is malware or a legitimate process sometimes depends on the location (path) it is running from. One of the ways that malware tries to hide is to give itself the same name as a critical system file. However, it then places itself in a different location on your computer.

You can download and use AnVir TaskManager Free to investigate all running processes (including startups) and gather additional information to identify and resolve problems. It will show the process CPU usage, a description and its path location. If you right-click on the file in question and select properties, you will see more details about the file.

If you cannot find any information, the file has a legitimate name but is not located where it is supposed to be, or you want a second opinion, submit it to jotti's virusscan or virustotal.com. In the "File to upload & scan" box, browse to the location of the suspicious file and submit (upload) it for scanning/analysis.
-- Then post back with the results of the file analysis.

Thank you Quietman7. You answered my question. I will be more careful when I post again about a issue. I have 4 computers and use my oldest with the least RAM for web surfing. I do some public speaking and go to joke sites which are infamous for malware etc. Also I go to a file sharing site with the same results. I am always infected with something and have every spyware program known to mankind. I periodically boot to safe mode and run all of the programs which are listed in forum of top freeware. I still like to check what is running on my computer to insure all is ok. I will try the programs you noted. Thank you and others for responding.

You're welcome on behalf of the Bleeping Computer community.