The Software Explorer tool of Windows Defender is used to view or monitor all software that is running on a computer. In Software Explorer, you can choose Startup Programs in the Category option to accomplish the task.
What is Windows Defender? Windows Defender is a Windows Vista tool that keeps spyware and other potentially unwanted software from infecting a computer. It uses definitions to determine if detected software is spyware or malware, and then to alert users of potential risks. Definitions are updated periodically through Windows Update or by setting Windows Defender to check online for updated definitions.
Windows Defender provides three ways to protect a computer:
- Real-time protection: When spyware or potentially unwanted software tries to install itself or run on a computer, Windows Defender invokes alert messages for a user working on the computer. It also invokes alert messages when programs attempt to change important Windows settings.
- SpyNet community: Microsoft has created an online Microsoft SpyNet community that helps users respond to software that has not yet been classified for risks. Windows Defender uses this community opinion to help users take their decisions.
- Scanning options: Windows Defender is used to scan for spyware and other potentially unwanted software that might be installed on a computer.
The question clearly states that you are required to view all the programs that are running at startup. Task Manager lists all programs that are currently running on the computer.
What is Task Manager utility? The Task Manager utility provides information about programs and processes running on a computer. By using Task Manager, a user can end or run programs, end processes, and display a dynamic overview of his computer's performance. Task Manager provides an immediate overview of system activity and performance.
The CHKDSK and IPCONFIG commands are not used for listing and viewing programs.
What is CHKDSK? CHKDSK is a command-line tool used to scan and repair volumes on the hard disk for physical problems such as bad blocks. It also repairs volumes for logical structure errors such as lost clusters, cross-linked files, or directory errors.
What is IPCONFIG? IPCONFIG is a command-line utility that displays the current TCP/IP configuration, such as IP address, subnet mask, default gateway etc., of a networked computer. It refreshes Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol (DHCP) and Domain Name System (DNS) settings. Users can run IPCONFIG from the command prompt whenever they need to know the status of a computer's TCP/IP configuration.
