Now I'm not completely sure what "running processes" are, but I know that having them go from 21 to 40 within one minute isn't good. What are they and how do I find out what they are?
well they are processes that your computer is running, ... to see 'em, control alt delete, and its somewhere in there...although ending a process doesnt stop a problem i dont think, the program will probly start back up eventually...
in xp pro you can got to the control panel then admin tools then select services to see more stuff running all teh time, adn you can even stop them from starting ever again if you dont ever use them. Warning though, dont stop things that you dont know anythign about.