Multiple Programs - CTFMON.EXE, CTFMON.DLL

This description covers two completely different files: ctfmon.exe and ctfmon.dll.

Ctfmon.exe installs with Office XP or later. When you launch Office, it runs in the background. In some cases, it may remain in memory even after Office has closed. CTFMon activates the Alternative User Input Text Input Processor (TIP) and the Microsoft Office Language Bar. Ctfmon.exe monitors the active windows and provides text input service support for speech recognition, handwriting recognition, keyboard, translation, and other alternative user input technologies. The file is required if you use speech recognition or handwriting recognition services in Office XP through Office 2003. More information can be found at http://support.microsoft.com/?kbid=823586. You'll find a handy FAQ for this file at http://support.microsoft.com/kb/282599. Simply disabling this file in your Startup Programs may not get rid of it completely. You'll find detailed instructions for removing this file by opening the FAQ document and scrolling down to "Can I remove CTFMON?".
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CTFMON.DLL installs with Family Keylogger. This program logs keystrokes typed at the computer. It is intended to offer parents a means of keeping an eye on what their kids do online. If intentionally installed for this purpose, it's safe to have around. More information can be found at http://www.spyarsenal.com/familykeylogger/help-en/. Keyloggers can also be stealth installed by malicious users trying to get your personal information. So if you're not a kid and you don't know what this program is doing on your computer, we'd recommend removal using WinPatrol.
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Safe

Microsoft