For a deeper look into the goings on inside your machine TaskInfo may be the solution. TaskInfo's dashboard combines the task manager and System Information Tools into a more powerful display of activity on your computer. It also gives you a better view into all processes, including the hidden ring0 VxD threads.

Beside for a better visual representation of processes, TaskInfo can be configured to provide you alerts of suspicious activity and quickly alter process prioritization, execution, and termination. TaskInfo is free to test, but will set you back $35 for a licensed version.