What do I do to minimize the number of 'processes' running on my computer?

There are 59 processes running on my computer right now. How can I keep that to a minimum?

Do all of the programs that I run have to be in the system tray?

I have McAffee, Dell quickset, Daemon tools, Local area connection, Palm desktop, Spybot SD resident, Intel Proset, and Virtual drive running on the bottom right hand corner.

 

I would use msconfig and stop the non essential programs from starting up when you power on your laptop. Just search the program name in google to make sure it is safe to do.

You could also use ccleaner.

Tim

 

Everyone is saying so. But how exactly can you be sure you can safely delete certain programs. I know sometimes you can tell by the names but on the other hand sometimes it can be clueless.

I also know you could backup everthing then delete programs on a trial and error basis but there must be an easier way, isn't it?

 

Like timu24 said, just google the process and see if it is essential to the running of your computer. If you're unsure about the process, test it. Turn that process off, reboot, see if everything's okay with your laptop. Repeat with the rest of the processes.

I found http://www.liutilities.com to be very helpful when I went through the process.

 

I have 8 icons in the bottom right hand corner. Do they all need to be there for the programs to function (ie McAffee, Quickset, Lan card, etc)?

Thanks for the responses.

 

Definately use MSCONFIG!!

 

go to run and type "msconfig" to bring up system configuration utility. Go to the "startup tab" and identify each program by searching for the "Startup Item" name here:

http://www.sysinfo.org/startuplist.php

If you wish to remove the startup process just uncheck it. Do this for each item on the list.

 

You'll want to leave your antivirus, firewall, wireless utilities, and other essential things running.
but everything else that you can stop from starting up with your computer, remove them.
If it's not something that is required for the computer to run properly, take it out.

If you need to use a program, start it when you need it. And then close it when you're done. It doesn't need to sit in your startup or system tray if you're not going to use it.

 

Is there a way to order how things start up? I have a couple programs that run on start that look for the internet before my computer's internal wireless connects.

 

I assumed you'd understand this much but it's good to note. Also sysinfo.org will let you know what items should and shouldn't be removed.

It doesn't matter much to me but a quick search finds this:

http://oakroadsystems.com/tech/winxptip.htm#StartupOrder