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Cloudeight Windows Tips and Tricks KISS (Keep it simple
starting)
If your computer runs like a turtle carrying rutabagas through a maple-syrup swamp, it may be because you have too many programs loading with Windows. You may not even be aware that you have a lot of programs starting with Windows. It can happen without warning. Developers of software love to have the programs they create start with Windows. We're not sure why. Maybe it's pride. Most of the time, though, it's sure not for any good reason. There other issues which can cause your system to run slow (not enough RAM, temp files that are full, etc.). But, the number one reason computers get bogged down is too many programs starting up with Windows. The simplest way to access programs that start-up with Windows and to keep them from starting with Windows in the future is by using one of our favorite programs called WinPatrol. (Yes, we know, if you're a computer purist you're going to tell us you don't need to download anything to control what programs that start up with Windows - and that's true. But most of us are not computer purists and besides MSCONFIG isn't a very user-friendly application. WinPatrol gives the average user a head start because it gives more details about each program and features a much better and friendlier user interface.) WinPatrol works with Windows 95/98/ME/2000/NT/XP and Windows Vista. It's very easy to use and whatever you do with it is reversible. You can download it by clicking here. Trying to remove programs from Windows Startup locations, can be a daunting task, if you don't know what those abbreviated process and program names mean WinPatrol's PLUS version will even look them for you in its extensive database of processes and programs. Just right-click on the item and choose "Info" and a few seconds later you'll know what it is. Even better WinPatrol's creator, our friend Bill, will even tell you if you should allow it to run in the background or not. But, it's up to you to decide whether or not to allow a program to start with Windows. Generally, less is more, if you know what I mean.. And there's a Web site you can use that will help you ferret out those furtive little processes and shed some light on what they do and why they are running on your computer - it's called The Process Library - some good stuff there! What shouldn't I have running at Windows startup? We're glad we asked that question for you!
Here are some examples of things you don't need to have start up with
Windows:
1. Printer software Things you don't normally want to remove from your start up programs are:
1. Any Microsoft operating system file Hey! It's up to you! We've been to some of our friend's homes and used their computers. It's hard for us to believe someone would put up with a computer that runs so poorly. You know, you click a program and there's a big hesitation until the program finally loads. Or you click an icon and wait. Slow! Slow! Slow! Computers are supposed to react instantly - in milliseconds - not minutes. No one likes using a computer that runs slower than an seven ton rhino slogging through four feet of Tasmanian river mud. No one should tolerate a program that runs that way. And who likes dealing with the program freezes and error dialogs that low available system resources causes? You are in control and it's up to you to take steps to reduce the number of programs you allow to start with Windows. Here's a simple DUH! fact: The less programs you allow to start with Windows the more system resources you'll have available to run the programs you want to run when you want to run them. No matter how much RAM your brand new top-of-the-line computer has -controlling startups is numero uno. If you want a fast computer you have to control the number of programs starting with Windows. That is the best way ensure you have adequate system resources available at all times. And by now you've you learned that having adequate available system resources will help you avoid program freezes, system errors, and slow response times. OK purists, here's the scoop on the MS Configuration Utility (Windows XP and Windows Vista ) Click Start/Run and type in MSCONFIG . You'll be well advised not to alter anything in BOOT INI, WIN.INI or SYS.INI unless you know what you're doing. Stick to the Start Up items and see how many programs you have starting whenever Windows starts. Please click here and use this "Process" search to identify any mysterious or unknown programs or processes which are starting with Windows. Do not remove anything unless you are sure of what it is and what it does. WinPatrol can make all these changes for you and do it safely and reversibly. And it's much easier to use (and much prettier too) than MSCONFIG. Check your Startup Folder too. In Windows XP and Windows Vista click Start, then All Programs and look for the Startup folder. Remove anything in that folder you don't want starting with Windows. To remove program shortcuts from this folder, right-click on each and choose "Delete". Don't worry. You're not deleting the program itself or removing the program from your computer, you're simply removing its shortcut from the Startup folder so it no longer starts up with Windows. And Again - Because It's Important! Almost everything you install these days, whether from CD or from downloading, seems to want to set itself up to start when Windows starts. Unless it's some type of system utility or Anti-Virus program it most likely does not need to be elevated to startup status. Make sure you pay very close attention during the installation process and if it asks you "Would you like to start this program when Windows starts" click NO. Every program that's automatically loaded into Windows memory takes away free resources that are needed to run other programs that you may need to run. The number one reason for system crashes, program freeze-ups, slow-responding computers is low system resources. Keep spyware and adware off your computer too. These programs often come as software bundlers which install fifteen to twenty programs on your computer in one installation session. Guess what? You're right - each of these programs is set to start with Windows. A prime example of this type of nuisance is FunWebProducts (SmileyCentral) which now installs sixteen programs on your computer in one convenient software bundle. All sixteen programs start with Windows. Now whether you think FunWebProducts is adware, spyware, a hijacker, or malware, one thing EVERYONE can agree on that sticking sixteen programs on your computer at one time and having them all start with Windows - is not a very good thing. Right? Steer clear of adware, spyware, and software bundlers. KISS your computer today. Spend some time KISSing it. You'll be glad you did. KISS - keep it simple starting!
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