System Idle Process

  • Thread starter Thread starter Plug
  • Start date Start date
P

Plug

Can anyone tell me what the 'System Idle Process' is, and why it shows up as
using 98% of the CPU in the task manager?

(Running XP HE on an AMD Athlon 2400+XP machine).

Many thanks.
 
The System Idle Process is not using 98% of the CPU. You are not
interpreting it correctly. It means 98% of the CPU resources are idle,
waiting for something to do.

--
Carey Frisch
Microsoft MVP
Windows XP - Shell/User

Be Smart! Protect Your PC!
http://www.microsoft.com/athome/security/protect/default.aspx

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

:

| Can anyone tell me what the 'System Idle Process' is, and why it shows up as
| using 98% of the CPU in the task manager?
|
| (Running XP HE on an AMD Athlon 2400+XP machine).
|
| Many thanks.
 
Plug said:
Can anyone tell me what the 'System Idle Process' is, and why it shows up as
using 98% of the CPU in the task manager?

(Running XP HE on an AMD Athlon 2400+XP machine).

Many thanks.
Click to expand...

It is the percentage of time that the cpu is not doing anything; in
other words, your system isn't working very hard when it's at 98%.

--
The reader should exercise normal caution and backup the Registry and
data files regularly, and especially before making any changes to their
PC, as well as performing regular virus and spyware scans. I am not
liable for problems or mishaps that occur from the reader using advice
posted here.
 
null said:
It is the percentage of time that the cpu is not doing anything; in
other words, your system isn't working very hard when it's at 98%.

--
The reader should exercise normal caution and backup the Registry and
data files regularly, and especially before making any changes to their
PC, as well as performing regular virus and spyware scans. I am not
liable for problems or mishaps that occur from the reader using advice
posted here.
Click to expand...

Thank you both very much - I have learned something new again here. Now I
understand it's proper meaning.

Best wishes,
P
 
Can anyone tell me what the 'System Idle Process' is, and why it shows up
as
using 98% of the CPU in the task manager?
Click to expand...

Let try using English:

System = CPU
Idle = the time free not doing anything
 
Greetings --

Break out a dictionary and look up the word "idle," sometime. ;-}
The "System Idle Process" metric is the amount/percentage of time that
your CPU has *nothing* to do. A reading of 98-99% is generally
considered a good thing, and readings above 90% are normal. Think of
it like a car's engine idling in your driveway before you place the
car in gear.


Bruce Chambers
--
Help us help you:



You can have peace. Or you can have freedom. Don't ever count on
having both at once. - RAH
 
Plug said:
Can anyone tell me what the 'System Idle Process' is, and why it shows up as
using 98% of the CPU in the task manager?
Click to expand...

Because if there is nothing going on otherwise, system idle has all the
cpu to itself. There are better explanations than mine tho I might
imagine
 
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