I recommend
- to check the registry with the usual tools (I use Startup Control from
www.mlin.net) and firstly, remove any and all startup entries. other than the ones from MS Windows.
- I run updates once in a while by myself and therefore do not need automatic updates of any kind, which just install a boatload of taskbar tray services just waiting for updates - BS. but, this is up to your personal preference
- from the IBM / Leno-Oh tools, I use Update Manager (Software Installer did not depend on the .Net hog and was clearly better fit for the purpose), also:
- Thinkpad Config
- Access Connections
- Easy Eject
- Power Manager
- Presentation Director
- Productivity Center
- Active Protection
- Create Recovery Media
- Fingerprint Software
all the rest goes... I run Update Manager manually every 3 to 4 weeks or so, which is completely fine. You have to check every upcoming update anyways for your acceptance, so a manual operation just gives you the attention required to control what is on your machine.
btw. your Update Manager poping up from time to time has a GUI, just go to Control Panel and find it there. Un check all the "regularly check for Update" items to get rid of the anoying reminders.
Gerd