46 Processes running: too many?

When I look at the Task Manager, Processes tab, I have 46 processes running. This is with only Firefox and Task Manager running, and 8 items in the tray. Does 46 processes sound like too many?
How do I determine what these are, and how do I stop the unneccessary ones from running? I do have up to date virus protection, and I run Ad-Aware fairly often. It sometimes finds a few tracking cookies.

 

Is 46 process too many? No definite answer. It all depends on your computer hardware & software configuration.

If you want to have a look in detail check out taskpatrol from http://www.asmdev.net or winpatrol from www.winpatrol.com

 

i dont think 46 is too many...mine says 39. i have no problems

 

ric13579--As mentioned the number is not really an issue, unless you are having problems. Tracking cookies come from sites you visit, not from using(legitimate) programs.
What you want to minimize, to help your PC run most efficiently, is the number of non-MS programs that run at startup. This you can control by Start|Run|type msconfig|OK|Startup tab. See what programs have checks in the boxes to the left of each. You really need very few--like antivirus, firewall, wireless peripheral connections, etc. You can always turn on other programs when you need to run them. No need for them to start at boot.
This site will help you decide
http://www.sysinfo.org/startuplist.php
But again, unless you are having problems, it may not be high priority to agonize over whether a program you like should be permitted to start at boot.

But if you are having problems, post here.
P.S. Perhaps you can reduce the number of tracking cookies you get by
1) Installing SpyWareBlaster
http://www.javacoolsoftware.com/spywareblaster.html
2) Setting IE Tools|Internet Options|Privacy tab|slider to Medium High.
3) Being careful what sites you visit. The AdAware scans/logs should identify the sites that gave you the tracking cookies.

 

19 at boot up for me. If you see something that you don't think should be running, google the file name. Good luck!

 

19...pretty good ...23 for me. It is my gaming system though, no email etc.

If Googling does not reveal the program's source, run Search for the .exe, right-click and look at Properties. If it the information is "thin ", axe it.

For major programs you can usually go to the Tools(menu) -> Options and disable startup items there.

HiJack This can reveal hidden startup programs. Investigate their origin before disabling them.

Matt