BleepingComputer.com: Too Many Processes

I have a brand new computer. My security setup is:
1. Online Armor Firewall
2. NOD32 Antivirus
3. Malwarebytes Antimalware
4. Prevx2
5. Spywareblaster

She's running WinXP SP3. She is a dual-boot (both WinXP) running a DAW (digital audio workstation) in the smaller boot. I have two of my four HDD striped in RAID 1 hosting both boots. The other two HDDs are media libraries.

Task Manager shows 41 processes running when I boot her up.

This seems to my naive perspective grossly excessive. Suggestions? Is there a process manager utility that you would recommend that might inform me better than msconfig what all these processes are and which I can disable or delete?

So you know, I did read this posting here which directed me to this startup list. I need a little more hand-holding with the processes. Most of mine are coming up "U", none are "X" and regarding the "U" processes, I don't know what they are.

How does the community here feel about BlackViper's updated list for XP SP3?

P220ST, on Nov 5 2008, 08:59 PM, said:

I am running 42 and most of those are Windows processess which I understand must run at start up
I find WinPatrol free an excellent program to use showing startup Processes.So easy to disable and re enable.
http://www.winpatrol.com/download.html

Each entry in the database will have a Status assigned to it. The key to this status is the following:
Y - This status flag means that this entry should be left alone and be allowed to run as if it is unchecked it may break the functionality or use of a particular program.
N - This status flag means it is unnecessary to run this program automatically when Windows starts as you can run it manually when necessary.
U - This status flag means it is up to you whether or not you feel this program needs to run automatically.
X - This status flags means the item should definitely not start up automatically. Items that have this flag are generally malware such as viruses, trojans,
http://www.bleepingcomputer.com/startups/

P220ST, on Nov 5 2008, 09:59 AM, said:

Best thing i think i could advise would be to list the start-up items you are unsure about and then we can have a look through and advise you on whats best to do. The number of processes you have running is only 42 so its nothing to worry over, as DSTM posted he has 42 running and mine is roughly the same.

Quote

Autoruns:
http://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/sysinte...s/bb963902.aspx
Process Explorer:
http://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/sysinte...s/bb896653.aspx