Controlling auto-started programs

Once you’ve identified which programs are running on your computer and which ones are needed, it’s time to configure Windows so that it won’t start programs that you don’t need when the computer boots up. Unlike when you close an application during a Windows session, this approach will make the setting permanent; you won’t need to close the unneeded applications (or adware, as in the case of an infection) every time your PC loads the Operating System.

You should use the System Configuration Utility that comes as part of Windows to complete this task. This utility lets you define which applications and services you want to be automatically started with Windows. Do a search to verify whether you need a particular service before disabling any of the entries on the Services tab. Start the System Configuration Utility by typing “msconfig” (without the quotation marks) in the Start button’s Run dialog, The Startup tab lets you choose from programs you wish to disable from starting up automatically.

By closing unneeded applications, you not only free up system resources and thus improve system performance, but prevent some spyware and virus programs from affecting your PC. (Of course, a good, up-to-date anti-virus program will do this, too)