Start-up, running processes clean up.

[MP1975]

I'd like to clean up my start up tray and running processes to what only needs to be there.
I run ad-aware se, spybot search and destroy, AVG  daily and ccleaner once in a while. I learned that from here and am most thankful cause it really helps.

Now I want to further fine tune my PC. I notice when I re-boot it takes alot longer then when I first purchased it. I also noticed that the running processes has grown leaps and bounds from when I purchased it. When I run Ad-aware the number is usually between 62 and 66. When I do alt, cntrl del its pages long.

The start up tray (Lower right hand on screen) some software is easy to take out and some is not so easy.

So I guess  my question is where do I go to take out once and for all items I do not want to start up when my PC re-boots in both my start up tray and processes. And what else can I do to speed things up or atleast keep things the speed they should be and uncluttered.

Thanks in advance,
MP.

[Raptor]

Use Firefox instead of I.E and set it to manual cookie control along with the Noscript extension.

Remove start-up entries of programs you do not need by using Crap Cleaner.

Disable unnecessary windows services by going to start -> Run -> services.msc and by using the The Elder Geek Windows XP Services guide

Other than that, just mind what you install and don't ever go back to IE.

[soybean]

For those programs displaying an icon in the system tray after a startup, take a look in the preference settings panel for each of them; in most cases, you can disable them from launching during startup.

An increase in the number of processes is, undoubtedly, the ususal situation for most computer users.  It's bound to happen as additional programs are installed.  But, you do have a rather high number and you are smart to review them and try to reduce that number.

One way to learn more about any process you see listed in Task Manager is to Google it.  A site that frequently appears from search is http://www.processlibrary.com/processscan/.  You can also go directly to this site and use the search box on their site.

You can run msconfig, select the Startup tab, and unselect certain things to keep them from running when you first start your computer.  But, using a program's settings, as explained above, is the best method, if possible.  Also, see Raptor's note on Crap Cleaner.  I did not see that before posting.

[MP1975]

So far I've received a noticible difference just by using crap cleaner and services.msc

I tried using msconfig and received the error msg I need to be logged on as admin to perform the following task. I never assigned an admin pw on my standalone private use laptop? I hope this don't bite me in the *censored* in the future since I have no clue what the admin pw is.

Then I used crap cleaner, re-booted and reran ad-aware. Saw a difference on start up and the processes were reduced to 56.

went on to services.msc, shut down the most obvious entries of which I was certain were not needed again I rebooted it seemed to even start up faster. But when I reran ad-aware the processes went up to 58. I expected it to decrease somewhat.

I need to do more but am very happy so far with the results. Thanks to both of you for the help.

What are some of the benefits in using Firefox over IE. Just curious as this would probably be the last thing I do in the above mentioned suggestions.

[Calum]

Some of the benefits are: better security; faster browsing; better user interface; more extensions; better tabbed browsing than IE7, tabbed browsing at all over IE6; and many more.
Check the site to see a full list.
The advantages above are arguable, and some will take some tweaking to realize them.
If you're not too sure, try it for a few days or weeks, it won't make any irreversible changes and you can uninstall it if you decide you don't like it.
But then Raptor might kill you.

[Raptor]

I tried using msconfig and received the error msg I need to be logged on as admin to perform the following task. I never assigned an admin pw on my standalone private use laptop? I hope this don't bite me in the a*s in the future since I have no clue what the admin pw is.

You're not supposed to use MSCONFIG for anything but diagnostic trouble shooting.

What are some of the benefits in using Firefox over IE. Just curious as this would probably be the last thing I do in the above mentioned suggestions.

Security wise, haven't had a piece of spyware (Not even tracking cookies) ever since I switched to Firefox 2 years ago or so. Besides that, it has superior functionality. Some things found in IE 7 were taken directly from Firefox.

Besides that, it has some great add-ons that increase security even further. Try Noscript for on the fly javascript disabling and enabling.

[MP1975]

I'm the blind man just following orders concerning MSCONFIG. LOL

Got ya on the firefox. Is it a freebie ?

[Raptor]

I'd consider it more like a gift than a freebie, really. 

[soybean]

I agree that msconfig should be used primarily as a diagnostic tool.  However, there are numerous references to using it as a permanent way of restricting certain programs from launching during startup.  For example:
http://www.netsquirrel.com/msconfig/msconfig_xp.html, and:
http://www.technibble.com/how-to-use-msconfig/

I've used it for selective startup for months, perhaps years.  It is an effective technique and does not cause problems. 

Again, as I said in my previous post, it should not be used as the primary method of disabling programs when more direct methods (within the software itself) are reasonably available.

[CBMatt]

MP1975, which AVG do you have?  Anti-Virus or Anti-Spyware?  AVG AS has an Analysis feature that lets you easily remove autostart programs.  Just click on the Autostart tab.

[patio]

I use Startup CPL from Mike Lin...he has written a bunch of handy apps that are small, neat and just do their job...

[MP1975]

Raptor,

Gifts are good.

Soybean,

First thing I did was remove the software from the tray that offered the option. The msconfig suggestion was great and it appears it would have worked I just don't have nor ever set up an admin password.

CBMatt ,

AVG 7.5 Anti-Virus

Patio ,

Noted.

Calum,

Great idea.

Thanks all.
MP

[Fed]

MP1975, to give you an indication of what's achievable I'm running only 18 processes and no applications at startup, that # includes AV, AS and a firewall.

[Raptor]

MP1975, to give you an indication of what's achievable I'm running only 18 processes and no applications at startup, that # includes AV, AS and a firewall.

Not running any applications at start-up is for girly-men... 

[MP1975]

When installing firefox do you have to also install the google toolbar or is there an option not to do so.

Thanks,
MP.

[MP1975]

I took calum's suggestion and will run both IE and FF for a few days.

I just installed FF, No patience today lol, and have a few questions.

1. where do I set it to manual cookies.
2. where do I set it to noscript extension.
3. can I import my favorites from IE.
4. I enabled pagerank & enhanced safe browsing. Seemed to make sense.
5. How do I open up more then one tab.

Any other sugestions or things I should look out for or need to do.

Thanks,
MP.

[soybean]

To import favorites from IE, go to File (in Firefox), Import, and proceed.

Re: cookies, go to Tools, Options, Privacy ...

To open additional tabs, click on the "Open a new tab" button on the left end of the Bookmarks toolbar.

[CBMatt]

I don't remember being prompted to install the Google toolbar.  If it's there, then I have to assume there's an option to not install it, because I don't have it on my Firefox, and neither does my girlfriend.

[MP1975]

Soybean ,

Should I import all or just favorites.


Matt ,

It's new! The google toolbar is a new feature with FF.

Thanks,
MP.

[soybean]

I'm inclined to say, just favorites. 

[MP1975]

Figured that.

Now how do you open more then one window (tab) ?

[MP1975]

I imported the favorites and passwords, and bare with me here, but where is favorites on the tool bar.
Thanks for all the help in advance. lol Gonna be a long night here I think. 

[Calum]

It's called Bookmarks in FF.

[MP1975]

Calum ,

Thanks I been exploring and answered a few of my own questions (slaps forehead) bookmarks / favorites that should have been a gimme. lol
I also found out how to add the TABS toolbar so I can open more then one page.

Thanks again dude.

[Calum]

Good good.
It is fairly easy to use and get into.
If you need more help, there is an excellent section in the help files for IE users that explains some terminology changes and assists you in making the switch.

[MP1975]

Yep I hit the HELP section, Raptor no girlie remarks! lol kidding, and a few of the answers were there.

I already notice it loads pages much faster, BUT, sometimes it loads it in stages. The pages refresh in sections. Let me play some more just an initial observation on my part.

Thanks again.
MP.

[Calum]

It can happen.
Google for Firefox tweak guide or similar to find ways to optimize the speed of Firefox, and reduce memory usage.

[MP1975]

I will and thanks again. I can see this will be a play and learn situation with some digging on my own. I'll have an update with how I made out. I gotta admit it seems much faster and my guess is getting rid of IE would free up some space and clean up many started processes.

[MP1975]

One more thing. I never resubscribed to Norton after getting teh 3 month free trial. Since I have AVG, Spy-bot,ad-aware and ccleaner do I still need it or can I uninstall it.

[soybean]

I will and thanks again. I can see this will be a play and learn situation with some digging on my own. I'll have an update with how I made out. I gotta admit it seems much faster and my guess is getting rid of IE would free up some space and clean up many started processes.

You can't rid of IE.  Don't even try.  If you do, you will probably just mess up Windows.  IE comes from Microsoft; it's on all Windows computers and it's tightly integrated with Windows.  So, just leave it alone.  Beside, you won't see IE in your list of running processes unless you actually open it.

[MP1975]

Cool. If I choose I'll just remove the desktop icon and leave it be.

[soybean]

Actually, you can "remove" it by going to Control Panel, Add or Remove Programs, Add/Remove Windows Components (the button on the left side of the Add or Remove Programs panel), and unchecking the box for Internet Explorer.  This just removes it from the Start menu and Desktop.  That's why that panel shows 0.0MB as the change in hard drive space.  It's not really removing any program files.