How to stop programs that start when your computer starts

When you start up your computer there are several programs that start up as well, some of them are necessary/essential while other can be turned off.  Turning off unnecessary programs at computer startup can significantly increase your computer’s startup-performance, cutting back on the amount of time you will have to wait before being able to use the system.

Here’s how:

1. If you’re running Windows 7 or Vista, click start
2. Type Msconfig in the search bar (for Win XP, click start, then run (on the right side) and type Msconfig)
3. When the system configuration box appear click on the startup tab
4. You can now uncheck the programs you do not want starting when the computer starts. Ensure that all the programs you uncheck will still allow your computer to start safely; if you are unsure of any program then it is best to leave it ticked (A list of common programs that can be safely unchecked is found below)
5. Click OK and restart your computer. You should experience a performance boost.

Programs that can be safely unchecked:

• Adobe reader/acrobat
• Microsoft Office (OneNote/Groove etc.)
• Google (Update/toolbar/desktop etc.)
• Nero
• Virtual drive software (DAEMON, ALCOHOL etc.)
• Java update
• Magic Jack launcher
• Messengers (LIVE/MSN/OOVOO/AOL/YAHOO etc.)
• Mobile Phone tools

NB: You can comment any others you think should be added to the list