DLLs, Processes, and Threads

Windows-based applications consist of executable files and DLLs. Most applications interact with the user through a graphical user interface (GUI), or a character-mode interface. A running application is known as a process. Each process owns system resources. The threads of a process execute its code.

The following overviews describe the creation and usage of DLLs, processes, and threads.

Overview	Description
Character-Mode Applications	Character-mode applications do not provide their own graphical user interface. Instead, they interact with consoles.
Dynamic-Link Libraries	DLLs are executable modules that contain functions and data. DLLs provide a way to modularize applications so they can be loaded, updated, and reused more easily.
Process Status Helper	The process status helper functions make it easier for you to obtain information about processes and device drivers.
Processes and Threads	A thread is the basic unit to which the operating system allocates processor time. A process is an executing application that consists of one or more threads.
Services	A service is an application that conforms to the interface rules of the Service Control Manager. Services can execute even when no user is logged on.
Synchronization	Threads can use synchronization functions to coordinate access to a resource.
Tool Help Library	The functions provided by the tool help library make it easier for you to obtain information about currently executing applications.
Window Stations and Desktops	A desktop is a securable object contained within a window station. A desktop has a logical display surface and contains user interface objects such as windows, menus, and hooks. Each desktop is associated with a thread and can be used to create and manage windows.

 

 

 

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Build date: 11/30/2010