Not all users of personal computers know that the performance of their PCs largely depends on the running system services of the operating system. These system utilities are designed to solve a huge number of tasks that a user can set in front of his computer. Even fewer users are aware that many of these utilities run at PC startup and work “idle”, since their purpose is simply not needed and is not used by the device owner.
If in the latest versions of popular operating systems, developers have paid attention to this nuance and eliminated this drawback, earlier versions of the OS sin by spending the performance of your PC on such not always necessary things. For example, often the Windows XP services, which are still installed on many computers, do not perform any useful function, but they load the system pretty much. Therefore, sooner or later, the user has a desire to disable all such utilities and "speed up" their home or work PC due to this.
Configuring Windows XP services is performed using the services.msc command, which is launched from the command line (you must enter it from the Run item, which you will find in the Start menu). Then a window with all utility utilities will start. Keep in mind that all system services of “Windows XP” can be started in one of three modes:
- auto - automatic start at the start of the operating system or after the first call;
- manually - after the OS starts, this service is inactive. It turns on only after the user starts it;
- disabled - the service does not start either by the OS or by the user and is inactive.
But before you start disabling all of the default Windows XP system services, it’s advisable to at least roughly understand what they should be used for. It should also be remembered that many system utilities are interconnected and disabling one service may affect the operation of several others. Disabling Windows XP services is best done after you familiarize yourself with the list below. It lists exactly those services that are not used by most users and only occupy RAM.
DHCP client. Required to manage network configuration by updating and registering DNS names and IP addresses. If the Internet is not connected to the computer and there is no local network, you can safely disconnect.
DNS client. Engaged in registering DNS names for this computer and putting them in the cache. You can also disable when there is no network.
NetMeeting Remote Desktop Sharing. Allows trusted users to access the desktop using the NetMeeting feature. If you do not use this function, you can disable the service.
Telnet Designed to log into the system and run programs by a remote user. If none of the remote users is going to run OS or programs on your computer, then the function can be disabled.
Automatic update. Allows the system to update without user intervention. If this service is disabled, the operating system itself will prompt the user to download all the necessary updates. It is recommended to disable.
Wireless setup. Designed to configure Wi-Fi-modules. If such adapters are not connected to the computer, feel free to disconnect.
Dispatcher dispatcher. Serves to organize the transmission of packets over the network. If the PC is not connected to a local network or the Internet, it is recommended to disconnect.
Uninterruptable power source. It manages these devices. If the UPS is not connected to the computer, you can disable it.
Network login. Simplifies work in a local area network. In the absence thereof, turn off.
Network connections. Serves for the same purposes as the service described above. Also shuts down for lack of network.
Indexing service. Simplifies access to files and folders on remote computers. You can turn it off.
Message service. It is engaged in sending and receiving messages that the user sends or receives from the message service. You can turn it off.
Removable storage. If you do not use removable magneto-optical drives, you can turn it off.
Before you start disabling the Windows XP services, it is advisable to keep a copy of the registry key that is responsible for system utilities.