Process

Updated: 06/30/2019 by Computer Hope

A process may refer to any of the following:

set of instructions

1. A process or running process refers to a set of instructions currently being processed by the computer processor.

For example, in Windows, see the processes running by opening the Processes tab in Task Manager. Windows Processes are Windows Services and background programs you normally don't see running on the computer. A process may be a printer program that runs in the background and monitors the ink levels and other printer settings while the computer is running.

A typical computer has multiple processes running all the time to help manage the operating system, its hardware, and the software running on the computer.

2. Process is manipulating, altering, or viewing data.

3. In general, process refers to a set of predetermined rules in place that must be followed.

CPU terms, End Process, Idle process, Job, PID, Process management, Programming terms, Pts, Task