The Configuration Utility in Windows

[tacks]

I'm finding that i can usually increase a computer's speed significantly by using this. I open the 'Services' and 'Startup' menus and disable all the junk that doesn't need to be running all the time. [i'm not deleting any programs, just preventing automatic startup]

Just today i tried this on a client's computer. He and i did it together. He was very pleased with the result. [and i'll venture to say that he's now less likely to buying a new computer]

So as of today this is an added service that i offer.

[ChEAr$]

Another

I'm finding that i can usually increase a computer's speed significantly by using this. I open the 'Services' and 'Startup' menus and disable all the junk that doesn't need to be running all the time. [i'm not deleting any programs, just preventing automatic startup]

Just today i tried this on a client's computer. He and i did it together. He was very pleased with the result. [and i'll venture to say that he's now less likely to buying a new computer]

So as of today this is an added service that i offer.

or two things you can do for a client is to show him how to
(1) Clean up unnecessary files,
(2) Defrag
(3) Use the Virus Scan to check all files on the computer. Most clients know that their
virus program is operating, thinking that all they have to do is to let it check incoming
threats. But a full scan is recommended at least once of month.

[tacks]

Thanks for adding, ChEAr$. What you say is absolutely true. Although i found that editing the usually config produces bigger gains in speed. It seems that very few people know how to do this. (and were it not for an former employers' MIS department i wouldn't know it either.)

(1) Clean up unnecessary files,

In particular the temporary internet files. They can accumulate over time and take up a lot of space.

'Passwords' and/or 'Form data' are usually worth keeping, IMHO.

Here are articles that show how to edit the config.

basic:

http://www.ehow.com/how_4831800_disable-startup-items-using-msconfig.html

advanced:

http://www.theeldergeek.com/services_guide.htm

[Burke]

I'm finding that i can usually increase a computer's speed significantly by using this. I open the 'Services' and 'Startup' menus and disable all the junk that doesn't need to be running all the time. [i'm not deleting any programs, just preventing automatic startup] So as of today this is an added service that i offer.

For all of us computer-deficient persons, just exactly what needs to be running and what doesn't? And how does that affect the access to that program when you DO need it? Is the icon shortcut removed from the deskstop? For instance, I now have 4 years of tax programs, Quickbooks, Word, and Internet Explorer -- all of which I use pretty much every day (except for the past years' tax programs.) Otherwise, I don't really use much else that is on my computer. (I don't play games, for instance). I can see stuff on there in the Programs menu that I don't even know what it is, but am afraid to delete anything.

[ChEAr$]

Ideally

nothing needs to be running until you need it. Well, exception proves the rule, and my
Kasperky Anti virus is perpetually running. Look at the systems tray, lower right, and
those teeny weeny icons tell you what's running that can be chosen from the screen.
But other things run in the background, and these items are what tacks was speaking of.

Speaking of the desktop, I tend to have too many icons there, so must be vigilant and get
rid of ones seldom used. There is even a utility to do this with Microsoft "Winners", as we call it down South.

[tacks]

For all of us computer-deficient persons, just exactly what needs to be running and what doesn't?

That is the golden question.

And how does that affect the access to that program when you DO need it?

More than 95 percent of the time it's not affected at all -- no effect at all, nothing. Therefore it's usually safe. I've been doing this trouble free for over 11 years. I started doing this in DOS before Windows came out. I'd routinely go in and started disabling everything without blinking an eye.

But recently this has caused a problem.

It seems that a problem can be caused when 'networking.' Meaning when a PC somehow interfaces with other PCs. And associate of mine had a problem with her computer after i was 'playing' with it. The PC wanted to connect with the network but could not. It could not connect because a necessary component was not running. So we did a system restore to bring back the settings available before i started messing with it.

(And thus my associate was annoyed as heck. )


Hence i'd recomend creating a 'system restore' point in your windows OS before doing this stuff. (Creating an updated 'restore point' isn't a bad idea even if you're not doing this.)

Is the icon shortcut removed from the deskstop?

No.

...I now have 4 years of tax programs, Quickbooks, Word, and Internet Explorer -- all of which I use pretty much every day (except for the past years' tax programs.)

I view Quickbooks as very guilty of sucking up more memory than needed. (have a peek at the link below) But when you disable it from auto startup it'll sometimes just re-enables itself later. Hence i question whether it's worth the effort for you. (whereas i know that it is worth the effort for me)

Burke,

What you certainly would want to disable is 'Adobe Acrobat,' QuickTime & RealPlayer. My computer was running a 'service' for a printer that i no longer used -- the Epson printer. So of course i disabled that.

Anyway, it's hard for me to tell w/out having your computer in front of me.

nothing needs to be running until you need it. Well, exception proves the rule, and my Kasperky Anti virus is perpetually running.

I used to believe that nothing needed running until needed so i'd just go ahead and disable most everything. But then recently i angered an associate who couldn't get on the network because of me. So, yes, there are exceptions.

Look at the systems tray, lower right, and
those teeny weeny icons tell you what's running that can be chosen from the screen.
But other things run in the background, and these items are what tacks was speaking of.

Again, Chear$, that's absolutely correct. But another way of seeing what's running is 'task manager.' Task manager shows you exactly what processes are running and exactly how much of CPU they are taking up. Also how much RAM they are using.

This forum doesn't allow me to post up the a picture of my 'task manager.' So you'll have to click on the link. Here's what i'm running at the moment:

http://s27.photobucket.com/albums/c178/skate1968/?action=view&current=taskmgr.jpg

See adobe acrobat, quickbooks 2009 and internet explorer.