3.21.2006
Efficient Computing
My friends all have the same problem. I like to call is ESP. No not extrasensory perception. They all have "Excessive Startup Programs." The symptoms of such disorder is that the computer tends to lag and freeze often. A major sign that one has ESP is that in the taskbar, next to the clock, there are lots and lots of icons for things you don't use.
Everything likes to startup when Windows starts. Why, might you ask? Its because developers like programs that update themselves and users like programs that launch quickly. By starting up with Windows, it adds time to the computer's startup time but usually decreases the load time for an application. Often you'll see the icons in the corner, blinking telling you they've updated themselves.
The important thing to realize is that ESP is not necessary. 90% of programs that dwell in your computer's memory, eating up valuable resources, do not need to be there. For example, there is no reason why AOL Instant Messenger and Yahoo Messenger needs to startup with windows. If updates are needed they can almost always be done manually.
To start zapping startups, first look in the program's own options. For example, AOL Instant Messenger has a checkbox labeled "Start AIM with Windows." Uncheck the box and you are good to go. For those programs not so nice, you need to do a little trick. Go to Start> Run and type in "msconfig". Press Enter and click the startup tab. Now you can uncheck anything you recognize and know you don't need. Do not uncheck anything you don't recognize (windows may use it). Also avoid uncheck your anti-virus or firewall, these are utilities that run in the background keeping your computer safe. After saving the changes, restart your computer. If something fails to work (for example I once unchecked my printer drivers so I couldn't print), just open back up msconfig and recheck them. If worse comes to worse you'll have to restart Windows in safe mode and revert back to a restore point (might be a good idea to create one before changing msconfig).
There you go, after unchecking somethings there should be more room in the taskbar and your computer should start up and run faster. Enjoy!
Everything likes to startup when Windows starts. Why, might you ask? Its because developers like programs that update themselves and users like programs that launch quickly. By starting up with Windows, it adds time to the computer's startup time but usually decreases the load time for an application. Often you'll see the icons in the corner, blinking telling you they've updated themselves.
The important thing to realize is that ESP is not necessary. 90% of programs that dwell in your computer's memory, eating up valuable resources, do not need to be there. For example, there is no reason why AOL Instant Messenger and Yahoo Messenger needs to startup with windows. If updates are needed they can almost always be done manually.
To start zapping startups, first look in the program's own options. For example, AOL Instant Messenger has a checkbox labeled "Start AIM with Windows." Uncheck the box and you are good to go. For those programs not so nice, you need to do a little trick. Go to Start> Run and type in "msconfig". Press Enter and click the startup tab. Now you can uncheck anything you recognize and know you don't need. Do not uncheck anything you don't recognize (windows may use it). Also avoid uncheck your anti-virus or firewall, these are utilities that run in the background keeping your computer safe. After saving the changes, restart your computer. If something fails to work (for example I once unchecked my printer drivers so I couldn't print), just open back up msconfig and recheck them. If worse comes to worse you'll have to restart Windows in safe mode and revert back to a restore point (might be a good idea to create one before changing msconfig).
There you go, after unchecking somethings there should be more room in the taskbar and your computer should start up and run faster. Enjoy!
