Auto Start and System Services

machine. All those applications running in the background require some degree of CPU usage, as well as RAM.

To disable this feature, go to Control Panel, and under “User Accounts” click on “Change the way users log on and off” and uncheck “fast user switching.”

Figure 12 – Disabling Fast User Switching

Earlier versions of Windows used the startup menu to specify programs which are loaded into memory on boot up. Win2k and Windows XP still employ Auto Start for some programs, but also handle most system-based app’s a bit more efficiently with System Services, which are started in the background before Windows boots up. XP’s improved multitasking allows these app’s to run without seriously affecting your audio performance most of the time. But while some of these background app’s are essential to Windows’ operation, many are not. These non-essential applications can be disabled by opening Control Panel and selecting “Administrative Tools”, then choose “Services”.

Now here’s where it gets a bit complicated. You’ll find a lengthy list of services, along with (sometimes vague) descriptions of what each does. It will also specify whether the