I do run the Process Explorer utility (free download) to see what takes what as CPU resources.

That's simple to do and "non-destructive"..It is a reliable bona-fide utility made by a high-level emplyee of M.S., but put out independently.

I will also mention that I do run Sonar on high-level priority via a batch file, all the time. This does make a difference.

The other thing is set all options on "hybernate", "sleep/resume", "stop drives", and such "power saving options" to "NEVER", or at least to effect an hour or so after inactivity....AND, if they do activate, do realize that "resume" does not necessarily put everything exactly as it was before the pc/laptop goes to sleep, or such things.

I did in the past eliminate by hand picking processes that I investigated and concluded that they were not essential or had no real reason to be there.

But with the Process Explorer, it is so simple to see how many processes are enabled, and how many are actually using or not CPU resources.

The Idle process is the one that checks continuously for the status of facilities being on or off, including the Internet and other connections...When they are OFF, it does nothing..So if the WIFI is OFF, the OPSystem does not try to connect. The Idle process is super essential, so that is not one to try to kill. Another similar one is the Internet Explorer process, which does not really reflect its many essential duties that have nothing to do with the internet...So that one is an essential one...But ones like "Instant Messager" and other such ones can be unloaded from the startup if not needed.

***OLD THREAD ALERT***
 
For the first time ever I had to unplug the internet. I was getting pops/clicks on audio (but not baked-in), so popped open LatencyMon for the first time in a long time, with the primary offender being ndis.sys. I ended up unplugging the computer from my Comcast modem, and all went away, but the weird part is I never had this issue prior to replacing my modem (I replaced a 10 year old modem with a "new one" and suddenly get this).
 
In LatencyMon, it is spiking pretty religiously about every 4 seconds, almost like it is doing a query of some sort. Of course I contacted Comcast and they are essentially clueless what I am asking, but figured I would bump this thread to see if there is anything new to add to this one.
 
Old setup was modem->computer->router->printer (all that is on it)... New setup is a combined modem/router, so sort of wondering if this is a printer query through the modem/router... every 4 seconds????
 
Sorry for bumping an old thread, but the OP is a good one! So far the only "fix" is to disable/unplug the modem (works like a charm actually), but I am wondering if anyone has insight on this "4 second query" going on.
 
[Now I am wanting my old modem back!]
 

There might be some "autodiscovery" type features in your new modem that can be turned off.
 
Unfortunately, it would take someone smarter than me to guide you thru the possibilities.  When I do my own network stuff, it's very much a 'click & see' process 

Beware that disabling your network can also disable some plugins whose licences are tied to the NIC's MAC address. If you're using plugins that rely on a virtual dongle, turning off your network may not be an option. That includes anything from Waves, and anything that uses the Pace driver but not the physical USB dongle.

I bought a new Linksys modem to replace a 7 year old DLink one thinking technology must improve. We are on a Cell phone G4 system with a smart hub so the bandwidth will never be stellar. The new modem has absolutely no way to set it up without a password?  I don't need a password,,,, I live 5 miles from civilization! I like my family to be able to just use it without asking. So I put the new one aside and remain with the old one. 
There were other stupid issues with the new router as well.. They have become invasive. It would interrupt my connection to tell me I needed to update things??? screw that there's to much updating going on these days. 
So my guess is modern routers have software and that software is to friggin busy. 
 

Cactus Music
I bought a new Linksys modem to replace a 7 year old DLink one thinking technology must improve. We are on a Cell phone G4 system with a smart hub so the bandwidth will never be stellar. The new modem has absolutely no way to set it up without a password?  I don't need a password,,,, I live 5 miles from civilization! I like my family to be able to just use it without asking. So I put the new one aside and remain with the old one. 
There were other stupid issues with the new router as well.. They have become invasive. It would interrupt my connection to tell me I needed to update things??? screw that there's to much updating going on these days. 
So my guess is modern routers have software and that software is to friggin busy. 
 

I agree on too much updating.  IMO the software industry has gotten lazy and less qualified because they can rely on pushing updates out as fast as they wish.

Luckily, I don't think I have any plugins requiring a connection, but the auto discovery comment may be what it is. I already have everything connected that I intend to, so not sure if searching for new connection can be shut off, but will look for that one.
 
Edit - Control Panel\All Control Panel Items\Network and Sharing Center\Advanced sharing settings - There are three options at the top of each section to turn on/off "network discovery," "file and printer sharing," and  "Public folder sharing." I had to set up a new network for this modem and just disabled these three. The "ndis.sys" driver is still #1 on the LatencyMon list, but significantly lower, and all of the "spiking" went away.

To be clear if you want to efficiently disable the network you don't pull out the chord, you disable the network adapter in windows, job done.

Bitflipper awesome gonna check this

It should not even be an issue any more Bit...I can run 50 tracks of cut up-audio-with effects and 10 soft synths and play guitar into Guitar Rig 4 at 128 cycles...you can't feel the latency.  Make sure in the power options you turn the processor power management-core parking to 0%.  Unless you need more than the above track count.  Its in the USB3 ssd drive is my guess...no bottle necking.
 
Ben