Process Management

Understand how EZ Streaming tracks, monitors, and manages your applications throughout their lifecycle.

Overview

EZ Streaming's process management system tracks applications from launch to termination, providing you with real-time status information and control over your streaming setup.

How Process Tracking Works

Launch Process

When you launch applications through EZ Streaming:

1. Process Creation: EZ Streaming starts the application using Windows APIs
2. PID Assignment: The system assigns a unique Process ID (PID) to the application
3. Registration: EZ Streaming records the PID, application name, and profile association
4. Status Updates: The UI reflects the new process status
5. Monitoring Begins: Continuous monitoring for process state changes

Detection Methods

Internal Launch Detection

• Direct Tracking: Applications launched via "Launch" or "Launch All" buttons
• Immediate Registration: PID captured at launch time
• Full Control: EZ Streaming has complete process information

External Launch Detection

• Path Matching: Detects when applications are launched externally
• Process Scanning: Periodically scans running processes for known applications
• Case-Insensitive Matching: Uses normalized path comparison for reliability
• UI Synchronization: Updates button states and status indicators

Process States

Not Running

• Status: Application is not currently active
• UI State: "Launch" button enabled, "Close" button disabled
• Indicator: No special status indication

Launching

• Status: Application is in the process of starting
• UI State: "Launch" button shows "Launching..." (temporarily)
• Indicator: Status bar shows launch progress
• Duration: Brief transition state during startup

Running (Internal)

• Status: Application launched by EZ Streaming and currently active
• UI State: "Launch" button disabled and shows "Launched"
• Indicator: "Close" button enabled for termination
• Tracking: Full process control and monitoring

Running (External)

• Status: Application detected running but not launched by EZ Streaming
• UI State: "Launch" button disabled and shows "Launched"
• Indicator: Limited control - may not be closeable via EZ Streaming
• Detection: Found through process scanning

Terminated

• Status: Application has ended (gracefully or crashed)
• UI State: Returns to "Not Running" state
• Cleanup: Process removed from tracking lists
• Notification: Status updates reflect the change

Process Control Features

Individual Application Control

Launch Control

• Single Launch: Click "Launch" button for immediate application start
• Launch Validation: Checks path validity before attempting launch
• Error Handling: Displays errors if launch fails
• Status Feedback: Real-time updates during launch process

Close Control

• Graceful Termination: Attempts to close applications cleanly
• Force Termination: Falls back to force-close if graceful close fails
• Process Tree: Closes child processes when possible
• Confirmation: Some applications may show save prompts

Bulk Process Control

Launch All

• Sequential Launch: Starts all applications in profile order
• Delay Respect: Honors configured launch delays
• Progress Tracking: Shows current application being launched
• Error Resilience: Continues sequence even if one application fails
• Status Updates: Real-time feedback in status bar

Close All

• Profile-Specific: Closes all applications in the current profile
• Cross-Profile Option: Can close all tracked applications regardless of profile
• Graceful First: Attempts clean shutdown before force-closing
• Batch Processing: Handles multiple applications efficiently

Process Status Monitoring

Real-Time Detection

• Continuous Monitoring: Regular checks for process state changes
• External Detection: Identifies when applications are launched outside EZ Streaming
• Crash Detection: Detects when applications terminate unexpectedly
• UI Synchronization: Updates interface to reflect current state

Process Information

• Process ID (PID): Unique identifier for each running application
• Application Path: Full path to the executable file
• Launch Method: Whether launched internally or detected externally
• Profile Association: Which profile the application belongs to
• Runtime Duration: How long the application has been running

Advanced Process Management

Process Detection Accuracy

Path Normalization

• Case Insensitive: Handles Windows case-insensitive file system
• Path Comparison: Uses normalized paths for accurate matching
• Symbolic Links: Resolves links and junctions for proper detection
• Network Paths: Handles UNC paths and mapped drives

Multiple Instance Handling

• Instance Detection: Identifies when multiple instances of the same application are running
• Profile Isolation: Each profile tracks its own instances
• Conflict Resolution: Handles situations where multiple profiles reference the same application

Cross-Profile Process Management

Profile Switching

• Process Persistence: Running applications continue when switching profiles
• Status Updates: UI reflects current profile's applications
• Background Tracking: EZ Streaming maintains awareness of all launched processes
• Re-association: Can detect applications from other profiles

Global Process View

• All Processes: EZ Streaming tracks processes across all profiles
• Profile Identification: Each process remembers its originating profile
• Selective Control: Can choose to manage all processes or just current profile

Performance Monitoring Integration

Resource Awareness

• Process Detection: Uses process monitoring for accurate application detection
• Performance Data: Can access CPU, memory, and GPU usage information
• System Impact: Monitors how applications affect overall system performance
• Optimization Hints: Provides insights for better launch timing

Background Monitoring

• Continuous Tracking: Monitors applications even when EZ Streaming is minimized
• Resource Efficiency: Minimal overhead for process monitoring
• Smart Polling: Adjusts monitoring frequency based on activity level

Troubleshooting Process Issues

Common Process Management Problems

Applications Not Detected

Problem: EZ Streaming doesn't recognize running applications
Solutions:

1. Verify Path Accuracy: Ensure the configured path matches the actual executable
2. Check Path Format: Use full, absolute paths rather than relative paths
3. Process Restart: Restart EZ Streaming to refresh process detection
4. Manual Refresh: Switch profiles to trigger process re-scan

Process Control Failures

Problem: Cannot launch or close applications
Solutions:

1. Administrator Rights: Run EZ Streaming as administrator
2. Path Validation: Verify application paths are valid and accessible
3. Antivirus Interference: Check if security software is blocking process control
4. Application State: Some applications may be in a state that prevents control

Inconsistent Status Updates

Problem: UI doesn't reflect actual application status
Solutions:

1. Process Refresh: Switch profiles or restart EZ Streaming
2. Path Conflicts: Check for multiple applications with similar paths
3. System Performance: High system load can delay status updates
4. Process Scanning: Manual profile switch triggers fresh process scan

Advanced Troubleshooting

Process Monitoring Debug

• Task Manager Comparison: Compare EZ Streaming's view with Windows Task Manager
• Process Explorer Usage: Use advanced tools to verify process states
• Event Log Review: Check Windows Event Viewer for process-related errors
• Path Resolution: Verify that configured paths resolve correctly

Permission Issues

• User Account Control: Some applications require elevated privileges
• File System Permissions: Ensure read access to application directories
• Process Security: Some applications have restrictions on external control
• Administrative Mode: Running EZ Streaming as administrator can resolve many issues

Process Management Best Practices

Configuration Best Practices

Path Management

• Absolute Paths: Always use full paths starting with drive letters
• Path Validation: Regularly verify that application paths are still valid
• Update Tracking: Monitor for application updates that might change paths
• Standardization: Use consistent path formats across profiles

Profile Organization

• Logical Grouping: Group related applications in the same profile
• Minimal Overlap: Avoid same applications in multiple profiles when possible
• Clear Naming: Use descriptive names for profiles and applications
• Regular Cleanup: Remove unused applications and profiles

Operational Best Practices

Launch Management

• Pre-Launch Checks: Verify system resources before launching multiple applications
• Sequential Launches: Use "Launch All" rather than manual individual launches
• Error Monitoring: Watch for launch failures and address them promptly
• Resource Planning: Consider system capacity when configuring profiles

Shutdown Management

• Graceful Shutdown: Use "Close All" for clean application termination
• Save Prompts: Allow applications time to save work before forcing closure
• Resource Cleanup: Ensure all processes are properly terminated
• System Stability: Avoid forcing closure unless necessary

Maintenance Practices

Regular Monitoring

• Process Health: Periodically check that all applications are running properly
• Resource Usage: Monitor system impact of launched applications
• Update Tracking: Keep track of application updates and path changes
• Performance Assessment: Evaluate whether all applications are still needed

Troubleshooting Preparation

• Documentation: Keep notes about unusual process behaviors
• Backup Configurations: Maintain backups of working profile configurations
• Testing Procedures: Regularly test launch and close functionality
• System Monitoring: Watch for signs of process management issues

Integration with Other Systems

Windows Integration

Windows Task Manager

• Cross-Reference: Compare process lists with Task Manager
• Resource Monitoring: Use Task Manager for detailed resource information
• Process Trees: Understand parent-child process relationships
• Service Dependencies: Be aware of Windows services that applications might depend on

Windows Services

• Service Dependencies: Some applications require specific Windows services
• Service Management: Understanding how services affect application launching
• Startup Types: How Windows service startup types affect application behavior
• Troubleshooting: Service issues can affect process management

Third-Party Integration

Antivirus Software

• Process Monitoring: How antivirus affects process detection and control
• Whitelist Management: Adding EZ Streaming and applications to antivirus whitelists
• Real-Time Protection: Impact on launch times and process management
• Quarantine Issues: Recovering applications that have been quarantined

System Utilities

• Process Monitors: Integration with advanced process monitoring tools
• Resource Managers: Compatibility with system resource management software
• Gaming Software: How gaming platforms affect process management
• RGB/Hardware Control: Managing hardware control applications

Future Process Management Features

Planned Enhancements

Enhanced Detection

• Service Monitoring: Track Windows services associated with applications
• Dependency Mapping: Understand and visualize application dependencies
• Performance Integration: Deep integration with system performance monitoring
• Predictive Detection: Anticipate application states based on patterns

Advanced Control

• Process Priorities: Control CPU priority for launched applications
• Resource Limits: Set memory and CPU limits for applications
• Affinity Control: Assign applications to specific CPU cores
• Startup Sequences: More sophisticated startup dependency management

Monitoring and Analytics

• Usage Statistics: Track application usage patterns over time
• Performance History: Historical view of application performance impact
• Optimization Suggestions: AI-driven recommendations for better process management
• Health Monitoring: Proactive detection of application problems

Long-Term Vision

Smart Process Management

• Machine Learning: Learn optimal process management strategies
• Adaptive Behavior: Automatically adjust based on system performance
• Predictive Actions: Anticipate user needs and automate common tasks
• Integration APIs: Allow third-party applications to integrate with EZ Streaming

Enterprise Features

• Centralized Management: Deploy and manage EZ Streaming across multiple systems
• Policy Enforcement: Enforce process management policies in organizational settings
• Audit Trails: Detailed logging of all process management activities
• Remote Monitoring: Monitor EZ Streaming deployments remotely

Related Topics

• Adding Applications: Learn how to add applications for process management
• Launch Delays and Timing: Optimize timing for better process management
• Profile Management: Organize applications for effective process control
• System Requirements: Hardware considerations for process management
• Troubleshooting: Solutions for process-related issues