Probably, many users of "operating systems" of the Windows family came across such a concept as OS components. True, not everyone clearly understands what it is and why such services are needed. Moreover, the vast majority of users do not know at all that they can be selectively disabled or activated. Since we mainly use different versions of Windows, we will consider them.
Functional components of the OS, or Basic components of Windows
As for the general interpretation of the Windows OS components, almost all sources give an explanation that this is a built-in package of multimedia applications and web services (and for network OSs, there are also some additional features), which replaced MSN services in 2005.
Then it began to be called Windows Live, and was later renamed the "Main components of Windows" (OS components). In fact, this is a series of applications, so to speak, for all occasions, including some multimedia programs, development tools, or network connection control and remote access services. Functional components of the network OS we will consider a little later. In the meantime, let's focus on the main package, as well as the feasibility and method of disabling a number of unused services and processes.
How do operating system components affect performance?
Each user should clearly understand that when the operating system boots, not only the main processes responsible for the functioning of the whole system are started, but also a huge number of background services are launched that are not visible to the user's eye. Do not believe? Go to the "Task Manager" and see how many there are.
Naturally, some unused services have a detrimental effect on Windows performance. In the background, they are able to load both RAM and the processor to an unthinkable level. However, some of them often make the most of even accessing the hard drive. In aggregate, this only leads to the fact that the system begins to slow down, to put it mildly, and the launch of some applications in general becomes impossible.
Enabling and disabling services
Now let's look at enabling or disabling OS components. Where is this section located? As usual, in the "Control Panel" - in the menu of programs and components (for versions of Windows Vista and higher).
Unfortunately, in Windows XP such functions are not provided (except for emergency termination of processes). But in all the latest systems, they can either be enabled or disabled at will.
So, we go to the above section, on the left in the panel, select the menu for turning on and off the system components and look at the list. What we have? At first glance, you can see a bunch of obscure services that are enabled or disabled by default (for example, the involved .NET Framework or Windows Power Shell).
We will make a reservation right away, if you don’t know what it is, it’s better not to touch such services, or the whole system will fly off. On the other hand, in the list you can find many familiar OS components. The hotly unloved Internet Explorer, which is turned on by default, is immediately evident. As already clear, if you do not belong to his followers and use a different browser, this service can be easily deactivated.
Now let's pay attention to the components of the OS for working with multimedia. The list may vary depending on the version of Windows. So, for example, you can safely turn off, say, a home video studio (provided that it is never used) or the same Windows Media Player (the system will warn you that disconnecting can affect other programs, but it's okay). If you notice, then on the line there is a “+” sign, it means the presence of a drop-down list. Thus, you can disable either the entire list or its individual components.
Move on. Here you can find more print services. Again, if a printer is not installed in the system, and the user never engages in printing documents either at the home terminal, or sending them to network printers, one asks why keep the service turned on? And she, if anyone does not know, is quite “gluttonous”. Immediately, you can remove the XPS document viewer if the user with this type does not work, etc.
However, these are just a couple of basic examples. As already mentioned, depending on which version of the system, and even its modification is installed on a computer terminal or laptop, service lists can vary greatly. It is enough to compare the same "OSes" Windows 7 Home and Ultimate, not to mention the difference between the "seven", "eight" and "ten".
There is a single rule for all systems: after turning on or off any component, the computer must be restarted without fail for the changes to take effect (the system itself will offer to do this when saving the changes).
Network components
As for network components, it’s better not to go to them for an ordinary user who has no idea what they are for. Basically, these are all kinds of administration tools and protocols for connecting to networks or the Internet, as well as some security tools. For obvious reasons, we will not analyze what and how it works or what it is used for - anyway, this will not tell the ordinary user absolutely nothing. So let us leave this question to the system administrators.
Should I disable unused services?
What are the components of the OS, we have already figured out. It remains to add a few words about the advisability of enabling or disabling one or another component. Of course, unused services can and must be disabled. But it’s only worth doing it only if you clearly know which service you are trying to disable, otherwise you won’t get any problems later.