Re: MS programs that bug and call home

From: Colin Barnhorst (colinbarharst(nojunk)_at_msn.com)
Date: 02/24/05 

Date: Thu, 24 Feb 2005 09:56:26 -0700

Please specify which programs are calling home.

Svchost is a basic system process that supports running programs and it is
not unusual to see several instances. I have 40 or 50 processes running at
any given time. Don't panic. 

-- 
Colin Barnhorst [MVP  Windows - Virtual Machine]
(Reply to the group only unless otherwise requested)
"Gordon Abbot" <gabbot@mmo.net> wrote in message 
news:nZGdnVtPlZdunIPfRVn-1A@suscom-maine.net...
>I just shifted from 98se to xp and am amazed at the number of MS programs 
>that try to call home or, if you shut them off, bug you.
>
> I have startup cop and am using it to control several of these programs, 
> but have some basic questions on what I can shut down and not have a 
> problem. Are there any that are critical to leave open? I note that I have 
> six svchost.exe open in task manager being used as system (3) Network (2) 
> and local(1). Why so many? What are they doing? How can I find out what is 
> using them?
>
> There certainly are quite a few programs in Task Manager. Is there a good 
> site to describe them and what is not essential?
>
> Currently, just about every help or search program, including windows 
> explorer, tries to call home when I use it. I have Zone Alarm set to make 
> them ask, so it is just a minor hassle to control them.
>
> If I set Automatic updates to off and let me do it, Security Manager pops 
> up and bugs me about as much as Robbie the Robot (remember "Danger Will 
> Robinson!). How can I shut that off? It will do it with AVG updates, also, 
> even though AVG does it too (with a black icon in systray).
>
> One other observation. I have certainly had more hits with Spybot, adaware 
> and A2 with xp than I ever had with 98se. The bad guys really like it. 
> Which is one reason I am trying to shut down as many programs that like to 
> call home as I can, since all can be infected and look like they are nice 
> guys trying to call home, including windows explorer (BTDT).
>
> Sorry for so many questions in one post, but they are all related.
>
> GA
> -- 
> My address  is spoofed, so do not reply directly.

Relevant Pages

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