VonMessa's method is by far the easiest. However, if you want to do it manually (might teach you something about the computer and keeping the system in optimum operating conditions) please continue reading.
Processes will be installed and registry entries written which tell the computer to start the process or service when the system starts. This is because some of the applications are checking for updates, providing functionality, or simply allowing the system to run. A whole bunch of these processes really DO NOT need to be running in order to work on your computer. Here's a few pointers on reducing the running processes:
In Goat1's case, there's a few processes which can be shut down. Here's a list:
soffice.bin (Sounds similar to a Microsoft Office program. Don't believe it's critical)
aolwbspd.exe (Could be a connection agent. More than likely just a nuisance)
soffice.exe (Again, seems to be something similar to Microsoft Office)
acsd.exe (Unknown. I've never seen this process running. Try ending it to see what happens)
qttask.exe (Quick Time Task. It mainly checks for updates and readies Quick Time for immediate response to video file input)
ALCXMNTR.exe (Seen it before, don't know what it is. I just know I've stopped it with no adverse effects)
avgtray.exe (The task-bar icon you see when AVG is running. You can re-enable it from the start menu by opening AVG)
mmtask.exe (Seen it before, don't know what it is. Simply know it can be stopped with no adverse effects)
waol.exe (Once again, it could be a connection agent.)
-OPTIONAL- explorer.exe (This is your desktop. It will disable the Windows button and anything you see on your desktop (icons and start menu). Re-start the task by going to File>New Task (Run)...>explorer.exe )
SaiMfd.exe (Probably Saitek related. See what happens when you stop it)
ProfilerU.exe (Saitek Profile. I'm guessing when you stop it any mounted profiles will be released)
rnathchk.exe (No idea. However it seems to be related to something that was installed into the system (game, codec, etc...))
shwicon2k.exe (Again, no idea. Shouldn't hurt you to stop it)
shellmon.exe (Again, no idea. Shouldn't hurt you to stop it)
aoltray.exe (This could be part of an AOL connection agent. Yet I don't foresee any harm in stopping it)
realsched.exe (Real Player scheduler. Mainly for automatic updates)
kbd.exe (Task which associates special keys on your keyboard with real computer assignments. For instance, pressing Internet launches IE or Firefox.)
hphmon05.exe (Another lousy HP task. No idea what it does other than eat up system resources)
HpqCmon.exe (Once again, no idea. Just know its from HP and probably worthless)
hpsysdrv.exe (Once again, no idea. ^You guessed it)
ctfmon.exe (No idea what it does. While it is Windows related, I have shut it down multiple times with no adverse effects to my system's stability)
NOTE: While shutting down processes may change the appearance or stability of your system, it WILL NOT destroy or alter ANYTHING. If for some reason you feel you did something wrong, restart your computer. All processes which were ended
will be restarted.
Now for system services (Squeeze out a little extra).
(If you haven't stopped explorer.exe) Go to Start>Run. Type in: services.msc Press OK.
(If you stopped explorer.exe) From the Task Manager (Ctrl + Shift + Esc). Go to File>New Task (Run)... Type in: services.msc Press OK.
Here's a list of services which can be stopped. Please note, stopping a service may affect your system performance
and stability. However, restarting the computer will restart the service. The only time that a service will not be restarted is if you, "disable" the service. Therefore I do not recommend you change the settings of the services we are discussing, only stop them (To stop a service right-click it then click, "Stop").
(From Windows XP)
Application Layer Gateway Service
Automatic Updates
Background Intelligent Transfer Service
Error Reporting Service
Help and Support
Machine Debug Manager (May not be seen on all machines)
Print Spooler
Security Center
System Restore Service
Task Scheduler
TCP/IP NetBIOS Helper
Themes (Will alter appearance of EVERYTHING)
Volume Shadow Copy
Windows Time
Wireless Zero Configuration (ONLY IF YOU ARE USING A WIRED CONNECTION, NOT WIRELESS!!)
Once again, if you believe something is wrong with your system, restart it. All stopped processes and services will be started again.
If you want to know how to reduce some of the startup processes so you don't have to constantly run through this list every time you're about to play, send me a PM.
