Re: Too many programs running

On Mon, 07 Nov 2005 11:07:43 -0500, officer wrote:

> I would like to know if anyone knows just what programs should be running
> in win XP. I would hope their is a list somewhere, I have currently 50
> programs running and dont think I need this many as they slow the puter
> down.
> Thanks....Guy

You probably don't need all 50 but why are you concerned? Does the computer
seem slower? If no, then leave things as they are. XP is much better at
multi-tasking and multi-threading than previous versions of Windows
(especially Win9x series). Also many of these processes didn't exist in
Win9x or were running but not reported by its Task Manager.

There is no set list of what should be running in XP. There is wide
variance based on system hardware and software. What's right for my system
is not necessarily what's right for yours.

The System Configuration Tool (Start> Run: MSCONFIG) shows what is launched
and running at boot time on the Startup tab. Nothing from Windows has to be
here for it to run. However hardware devices may require some of the items
in order to function correctly. You'll want programs that run all of the
time, such as anti-virus protection, to be listed here too.

Going through the MSCONFIG items, figure out what each one is and if you
need it or want it. There are various lists on the internet that can help
with the identification. One that I like is:
http://www.answersthatwork.com/Tasklist_pages/tasklist.htm

When you've figured out which items you don't want:
Open the main program for that item. Look in menus and program's help file
for the setting that control startup behavior to disable it from loading at
that time.

--
Sharon F
MS-MVP ~ Windows Shell/User
.

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