How many startup processes?

[pipspeak]

I'm curious how many processes T42/43 users generally have running on startup? I'm configuring a new T43 and cannot for the life of me get the number below 38 *before* installing AV software or any major applications.

I disabled or set to manual all unncessesary Windows processes, but it's all the IBM apps that seem to stack up. I already uninstalled 3-4 of them but still about 20 processes seem to be IBM-related, including four alone for Access Connections (taking up 25MB of memory too). I have 1GB ram so it's not a huge problem but I'm still loathed to give up anything to useless processes.

A couple of questions on a few processes: Anyone know how essential DLG.exe is? I have the bluetooth modem and assume it's related and safe to set to manual. The only other process I can't seem to find any info on is vtserver.exe.

[K. Eng]

I've got 36 on my machine on startup

That includes Centrino Hardware Control, iTunes, iPod, Norton AV tray, and Realtime File Scanning.

My desktop system is a lot cleaner... has only 25 processes on startup including the antivirus and iTunes/iPod stuff.

I remember there was a lot of useless junk that I had to disable. There was some sort of a process for configuring an S3 graphics card (I don't know what the heck that was doing in my ThinkPad - I have an ATI graphics chip), ATI Hot Key poller (another useless service) and a few others that I turned off.

If you google those processes, you should be able to find out what they do and if they are essential.

[pipspeak]

36??? Man, I'm jealous. I gotta go through them all again. I already did a search on all of them and determiend those remaining are worth having. I think I need to lower my "worth having" threshold.

Are you still using Access Connections?

[STS06]

Whats the simpliest way to selectively choose what programs to have running when windows starts or have running in the background.

Also what programs are advisable to have running all the time (you can list all your programs IF you want.. ).

Thanks!

[K. Eng]

Yes. I switch between 3 or more wireless networks during the day and I need Access Connections to keep track of all the configuration settings. Eliminating Access Connections would require me to use the Windows wireless configuration service, so I don't think I'd save much by ditching AC, even if I wanted to.

Are you still using Access Connections?

[pipspeak]

Whats the simpliest way to selectively choose what programs to have running when windows starts or have running in the background.

Also what programs are advisable to have running all the time (you can list all your programs IF you want.. ).

Thanks!

In Control Panel go to Admin Tools, then Services, and you can enable and disable processes to your heart's content. Just make sure you know what you're doing or next time you boot up things might not work right.

What programs you have running depends on how you plan to use your computer so it's hard to give advice.

[STS06]

Thanks pipspeak. I was wondering if you can ellaborate it a little. For example, how do you use your computer and based on that, what programs do you leave on and off?

I doubt a indication of what I'm looking for (performance wise) is enough for you to tell me what programs should be on and off but basically, I hate the clutter and processing that some programs take on my desktop. I just want the bare minimums running...enough to provide security from viruses/etc. I'll fiddle around with it some more though and check it out.

Thanks again .

[Puttagee]

Check out these sites:
This explains the various Services and make recommendations
http://www.extremetech.com/article2/0,1 ... 282,00.asp

This explains the various Startup
http://www.3feetunder.com/krick/startup/list.html

[Merlyn_3D]

I wouldn't disable access connections, it's sooooooo much better than anything else out there.

[pipspeak]

I'll stick with Acess Connections. Now I just need to figure out what to do with all the other IBM stuff.