Question about task manager processes

[Jmail999]

I like to have as much memory free as possible so (windows xp) I go to Windows Task Manager and go to the processes tab. I then end all the extra processes that appear to be just sitting there taking up memory. The processes are: svchost.exe, winmgmt.exe, and some others.

My question is: why are they there, and what do they do, and is it necessary to keep them running?

[elec.tron]

Hi Jmail999-
I haven't spent much time here (http://www.answersthatwork.com/Tasklist_pages/tasklist.htm) yet, but this site should be able to answer most of your questions in terms of what they do, processes that can safely be disabled and what needs to stay to keep the OS intact.
Good Luck
elec.tron

[dynamodaimyo]

Whoa, that site rules. I can get rid of some junk noww.

[Jmail999]

thank you, elec.tron, its a greatb web site, just what I was looking for.