Generic Host Services

A question for you,

I run Windows XP and the amazing Zone Alarm Firewall..
But when i start Windows XP i get a prompt from ZA about "Generic Host Process for Win32 Services" wanting to access the Net and act as a Server. ZA reports that "Generic Host Process for Win32 Services" Listens on Port UDP 1900. Can you spread a little bit of light why this might be happening. I have found that if i deny "Generic Host Process for Win32 Services" from accessing the Internet, i am unable to browse the Internet in any way....

I have also noted that "Generic Host Process" was recently listining on port 5000 which in XP is the port used for
"Universal Plug n' Play "

Can anyone suggest
Why this process is acting like it is
what actual info it is getting/sending to the net
and why is it listening to connection......

Thanks al in advance

 

My sentiments precisely!
What is this generic host thing and why cant I browse the net without permitting it access to the net?

 

A Description of Svchost.exe in Windows XP (Q314056)

SUMMARY
This article describes Svchost.exe and its functions. Svchost.exe is a generic host process name for services that run from dynamic-link libraries (DLLs).

Hope this helps.

(edit)
There's also some good information to be found at Google Groups if you query what is "Generic Host Process for Win32 Services ". Be sure to include the quotes.