understanding programmes in con fig system

[honorablekate]

i am trying to make my xp computer run faster when i go on system config there are loads and loads of programmes that i dont know what they are - how do i know which ones to delete? and where can i go to find out?

[SuperDave]

You do not delete programs. They should be uninstalled using control panel, add/remove programs. To determine what they are click on start, all programs and run each one. That way you will know which ones to delete. Uninstalling programs will not necessarily make your computer run faster unless your HDD is really loaded to the max. Download and run ccleaner at least once a week. This will certainly improve your performance.

[Deerpark]

Also where do you say you're seeing all these programs? I assume you're using msconfig but what tab are you looking at?

[2k_dummy]

I suspect he is looking at services rather than programs.

[Broni]

i am trying to make my xp computer run faster when i go on system config there are loads and loads of programmes that i dont know what they are

This is a very good question.
Yes, the less entries there, the better. Your computer will start faster, and then, while in Windows will respond faster, if you have less applications running in a background.
Unchecking entries in "msconfig/startup tab" DON'T uninstall programs. It only prevents them from running at the startup.
You have to be carefull, though, because, if you uncheck some crucial startup, your computer may not work properly.
You won't damage anything, since none of crucial system startups are there, but you have to know what you are doing.
If you wish, you can install "Autoruns" (http://www.microsoft.com/technet/sysinternals/Utilities/AutoRuns.mspx), click on "Logon" tab there, and post a screenshot of it.
I'll help you with telling, which program you need as a startup, which you don't.