General Guide to Customizing XP for the Optimal Performance

by Caleb Fischer

Table Of Contents:

Statistics:

OS	Lines of Code	HD space
Windows NT 3.1	6.5 Million	~200 MB
Windows 95	10 Million	~250 MB
Windows 98	13 Million	300 MB
Windows 2k	29 Million	500 MB
Windows XP	40 Million	1.5 GB

File system: If you have Windows XP, it is more than likely you are running the Filing system NTFS (New Technology File System) which began when NT was created. If you upgraded it is more than likely you are still running an inferior file system: FAT. There are only 2 types of FAT, and if you upgraded from Win 98 or Win ME, then you have FAT 32. If you installed XP on top of a MS-DOS partition or upgraded from Windows 95, then you have FAT16, but what should you choose? Here are some facts about filing systems:
FAT16 (aka FAT): FAT (File Allocation Table) is old, very old. FAT was created for the MS-DOS Operating System and is not very flexible. It has small limits on how much space you can have per partition, the limit being 2 Gigabytes on Win 9x and earlier, but for Windows XP, the limit is now 4 Gigabytes. There are only two reasons you would choose to have a FAT partition:
1. Cross platform usability: FAT is supported by almost all operating systems, including every version of Windows, Linux, MS-Dos and OS/2.
2. Speed: Because of the lack of software needed to read FAT, it is the fastest file system, but the drives will still be inefficient because of the 2 GB limit, especially with today's drives.
FAT32: Fat 32 came with Windows 95 B. It was the answer to all the problems of FAT. Now users could have partitions up to 2 Terabytes. Plus drives are still fast and have smaller clusters.
NTFS: Is slightly slower than the previous FAT system, but has far greater functionality. Now you have the ability to set file permissions and compression. NTFS is only faster when the partition is greater than 1 Gigabyte. Encryption has enormous advantages in that it prevents other users from being able to use your files.
WinFS: Little is known about WinFS (Windows Future Storage) except that it will be introduced with the next version of Windows (Longhorn). It will probbly be even more efficient with larger hard drives and be more complex.
The following are not useable by Windows:
Extended2: This is the official file system used by Linux. It can be read with special software. The maximum file size is 2 Gigabytes, but the largest partition can be 4 Terabytes.
HFS+: This is the file system used by Mac OSX. As a Windows user you will probably never run across this on your system. It is incompatible with Windows or Linux without special software. Has a maximum file size of 9 Petabytes (1 Petabyte = 1 quadrillion bytes.)

Here is a filing system compatibility chart: /

OS	Fat16	Fat32	NTFS	Extended2	HFS+*
Windows 95	RW	NR	NR	NR	NR RW!
Windows 95 b	RW	RW	NR RO!	NR RO!	NR RW!
Windows 98	RW	RW	NR RO!	NR RO!	NR RW!
Windows ME	RW	RW	NR RO!	NR RO!	NR RW!
Windows NT 4.0	RW	RW!	RW	NR RO!	NR RW!
Windows 2000	RW	RW	RW	RW	NR RW!
Windows XP	RW	RW	RW	RO!	NR RW!
Linux	RW	RW	RO!	RW	NR RW!*
Macintosh*	NR RW!	NR RW!	NR RO!	NR RO!	RW

*Based on speculation
! With special software
RW = Read/Write
RO = Read Only
NR = Not Readable

Converting to NTFS:
Here is the Syntax:
Convert [volume] /fs:ntfs
EX: convert C:\ /fs:ntfs to make C convert to NTFS. This must be typed into your dos prompt, and will take very little time. You will experience one difference when converting the hard drive windows is on. It will ask you to dismount the hard drive, say yes, this is not as bad as it sounds. Reboot your computer and it will convert.

XP Vs. Linux: Even though comparing Windows and Linux is like comparing an apple to an orange, there are many of you advanced users out there who prefer Linux far over Windows. That is not wrong in many situations, but not for the average desktop. Why? Here are some reasons:
Larger disk and File size: Linux's maximum file size is 2 Gigabytes (and a max file name of 255 characters). This is because Linux still uses older filing systems such as FAT or Extended2. Windows XP, however, has an upper limit of 18.4 Petabytes (1 Petabyte = 1 quadrillion bytes). That is, under NTFS, but I do not know what the limit will be for the WinFS (Windows Future Storage) filing system.
OS development: Microsoft has a long-term investment in the Windows line and will continue its development as long as computers continue to grow.
More applications for Windows: Sure you could use WINE, but WINE does not always function properly for some programs. Then where would the average user be?
Unified: There is only 1 Windows, while there are many Linux distros. There is a single version which is available for most major languages. Not to mention a consistent GUI set standard.

The GUI: This may come as a shock to you, the default GUI that comes with XP is not what you used in 9x. Far from it, in an attempt to look "modernized", Microsoft has adapted a new GUI by the name of LUNA. LUNA has redesigned everything to look pretty, but you know what that means: Looking pretty = lost processor power. I recommend going back to normal by going to display, then changing appearance to Windows Classic. It will save you a lot of slow downs. Also when doing this in taskbar properties, click customize and be sure to turn on all of the following:
Display Administrative tools
Display Run
Enable Dragging and dropping
Expand control panel
Expand Network connections
All others should be set to off. The taskbar has a lot of strange changes made to it as well. A new start menu is completely redesigned to work like my documents except it looks like it would be called my applications. It is overly obnoxious and for greater efficiency you should change it back to the old start menu. While you're at that be sure to Auto-hide the taskbar. This gives you more desktop space. Speaking of desktops, DO NOT let every program load an icon onto your desktop. This is bad and makes you look like a pack-rat. Put every thing into start, and make the most commonly used programs go into your quickstart toolbar or the very top of your start bar. Now for Task bar efficiency! Many people allow their programs folder to grow out of control, taking up half the screen. How can you find anything? You need to arrange your programs into a small system that works almost like a library. I tend to arrange my programs by subject. Shown here:
Accessories: This folder should only contain Windows components, (actual) Windows programs, and hardware applications like Gainward's Xpert tool. You may also put in Windows editing software such as alternate Regedits or Xteq's XSetup (you'll read about this later), but I put those into Administrative tools which I choose to have listed as a folder in the start menu.
Applications: Most other things such as Photoshop are listed here, but they are also arranged into a sub arrangement:
Art: for Photoshop and the like
Compression: For programs like Winzip
Internet
Browsers
Email: If you use Eudora or Outlook
Music: Like Winamp
Programming: For Borland C++ or whatever you write code in
Video: Like QuickTime
Downloads: For me this mainly contains Flash I downloaded.
Games: Also has a sub arrangement:
Adventure: Games like Monkey Island
Arcade: Games like Minesweeper
Casino: Games like Solitaire
Demos: Demos of the latest games
Flight Sim: Such as Wing Commander
FPS: (First Person Shooter) Like Doom
RPG: (Role Playing Game) Such as Neverwinter nights
RTS (Real Time Strategy) Like Starcraft
Info: This is for all those readme's and Uninstallers you get with your program. Some readme's need to be renamed to reflect the program they represent. Subset:
Read me and Information
Uninstall and Setup
Internet: This contains a lot of those links that you made or get for websites.

Patches/Upgrading: First off, install SP1 (service pack 1) it will fix a majority of your problems. It will also allow you to get rid of Java Virtual Machine to be replaced by (you will need to download it yourself) the latest version of Sun's Java, as well as allow you to uninstall Internet Explorer. A big advantage is that SP1 fixes a patch in which you could click on a hyperlink such as hc:\\C:\ and that would open your C: drive. This was supposed to be a feature where you could fix a problem by clicking a hyperlink in Help and support. Unfortunately this only resulted in e-vile hackers being able to delete your HD with administrative privileges. There is one thing that SP1 does do that is no good if you have a "cracked" version of windows. SP1 prevents you from upgrading should you have a blocked key. One of those keys, such as FCKGW-RHQQ2-YXRKT-8TG6W-2B7Q8, was the most popular and easily chosen for blocking on the internet. Due to an unforeseen problem, many people who purchased valid keys were also blocked.
If you are one of those people, your problem can be fixed with a program found here!

Important: Download all updates to keep your system working more proper than it would without. If you are installing a cracked version of XP pro and SP1, do not generate a SP1 key first. You must install under the Key above then change just prior to the installation of SP1.

Registry: Do not be afraid to edit the registry, but only edit as necessary. Never use a registry modifier you downloaded off the internet from an unreliable source. It may just kill your computer. A majority of your registry problems can be fixed via the programs below. No I myself will not delve into the depths of the registry. It is very extensive. It does make up windows after all.

Important: Here is a key you can edit to make your HD scan faster for defragmentation: Open Regedit then go to HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\ CurrentVersion\Explorer\VolumeCaches\Compress old files. Now you want to delete the key B50F5260-0C21-11D2-AB56-00A0C9082678.

Programs to get first:
1. Xteq Systems X-Setup: I love this program, there are multitudes of various "hidden" options that you could not normally edit in windows.
Appearance is the first option is control panel, this mainly control's what is displayed in the control panel. I use it to weed out the extra crap for QuickTime or any other 3rd party. This will also remove OEM (Original Equipment Manufacture)Icons. Other folders will deal with OEM branding as well as what can be seen in start menu and file associations. The Customs folder deals with networks, IP speeds.
The Hardware menu deals with various presets and options for hardware.
The Information folder only displays what various versions/drivers/programs are on your system.
Internet: Has various options for programs dealing with the internet including, but not limited to, the following:
Eudora: Disables the splash screen.
All major instant messengers: allowing editing the number of buddies, changing servers, proxy settings, etc.
Internet Connections: Both sharing and your server
Internet explorer: Edits appearance and dialog restrictions
Other browsers: Dealing with URLs)
Outlook Express: Account management
Windows Media Player: Advanced options.
Network: For more network options.
Program Options: Containing a limited range of programs and changing options as well as cheats and cracks.
Software: Deals with how windows uses visual basic.
Startup/Shutdown: Changing how your computer starts/shuts down.
System: Changing everything from shell extensions to security and taskbar.

2. Tweak UI:
This is a stand alone power toy you can get off the Microsoft website. It is a lot like Xteq X-Setup but I believe it is simpler for more common tasks. For the 2K/ME/98/95 version of Tweak UI download here. I use both because the older version shows up in the control panel as well as having a tabbed interface I like better. I only use the XP version because it has a few extra features.

3. Tweak XP:
This is the only Program that is not free. Does basically the same as the above programs, but contains a far nicer GUI and a HUGE range of options.

4. Ad-Aware:
This is a wonderful piece of software that cleans your system of various spyware. I run it about once a week to keep the ads away. The first time you scan your HD and registry you will find anywhere from 20 items to 500 items. That's over 100 MB's of space taken over by ad companies. It is invaluable.

5. Panda Anti-Virus:
If there is one thing you most certainly need it is an anti-virus. Although in XP you can usually get around viruses by the system restore feature, you may not have known you had one until it is too late. Anti-Virus software also is able to run with Windows and keep the boot clean. There are many programs out there and the most popular are Norton Anti-Virus and Mcaffe. I personally recommend Panda as it provides a good value as well as a cheap virus update service.

WARNING : Be sure to uninstall RealPlayer. RealPlayer comes with a program that is impossible to stop from starting every time you boot your computer (short of stripping the file). What does it do? Shows ads on your computer. If you really want to keep RealPlayer (from some reason such as, you have a lot of .RAM files, but there's nothing in RealPlayer that Windows Media player could not do)

What is Spyware?: Spyware is another name for Advertising Supported software (Adware). It is a way for programs, that are free of cost, to make money. This way, you don't have to pay for the software and the developers are still getting paid. If you find the banners/pop-ups annoying, there is usually an option to remove them, by paying the regular licensing fee. This is not always true as Spyware is more than just ad-ware. Spyware is adware turned to evil or as I like to call it: E-vile. Spyware likes to sneak on your computer and hide itself in your processes and other programs, using your bandwidth as well as your CPU cycles to make money on you without your permission. Sometimes it technically does have your permission, but it was so well hidden in the lengthy EULA (End user license agreement) that you did not notice its installation. The tool above, Ad-Aware, is very helpful for detecting and ridding your computer of spyware, making your computer and your internet connection run faster.

Startup Programs: Outside of normal Windows system programs, there is nothing that should start with Windows. There is nothing more annoying then someone who is complaining their computer does not have enough memory to play solitaire, then discovers they have 20 or 30 minute applications running at start, and hiding in their taskbar.

Important: Ever wonder where MSconfig gets its startup program commands? Location: HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Run Here you can safely delete the keys that are unnecessary that you do not want to run at startup.

Services: "XP ships with 89 services, 36 of which run automatically. But only eight of them are needed. The others cost you up to 70MB of RAM." - Black Viper

Here I will list each Service listed in services.msc and what you should do to it. You can get to the services by going to Start, then Run, then type services.msc and press enter. While you are going through the services I recommend you stick to the Extended View so as to get an additional reminder as to what the service is. Most of these services will have a listing in the extended part as well allowing you to: Start the service, Stop it, Restart it, and on occasion pause it. There is more to it than that. You will have to right click on the service you are trying to disable and select properties. Then change the corresponding startup type from automatic to manual or disabled.

Alerter: Notifies users of administrative alerts on a network. This service usually is not required. Recommended setting: Disabled
Application Layer Gateway Service: Provides support for 3rd party protocol plug-ins for Internet Connection Sharing and the Internet Connection Firewall. This service is required if using Internet Connection Sharing / Internet Connection Firewall to connect to the internet. Recommended setting: Automatic
Application Management: Provides software installation services such as Assign, Publish, and Remove. Recommended setting: Manual
Ati HotKey Poller: You will have this service, only if you have an ATI video card. It has no real purpose. Recommended setting: Disabled
ATI Smart: You will have this service, only if you have an ATI video card. It has no real purpose. Recommended setting: Disabled
Automatic Updates: Enables the download and installation of critical Windows updates. If you are reading this you are probably able enough to click on Windows Update once in a while. Why leave it up to a program? And as of recently, the update program has been recording your system information such as what hardware you have, nothing important. Recommended setting: Disabled
Background Intelligent Transfer Service: Uses idle network bandwidth to transfer data. It is designed to continue a download if you log off or shutdown the system, whenever you log back in. This is usually only used with http1.1 or Windows update. Recommended setting: Disabled
ClipBook: Enables ClipBook Viewer to store information and share it with remote computers. Recommended setting: Disabled
COM+ Event System: Supports System Event Notification Service (SENS), which provides automatic distribution of events to subscribing Component Object Model (COM) components. Recommended setting: Manual
COM+ System Application: Manages the configuration and tracking of Component Object Model (COM)+-based components. If the service is stopped, most COM+-based components will not function properly. Recommended setting: Manual
Computer Browser: Maintains an updated list of computers on the network and supplies this list to computers designated as browsers. Recommended setting: Automatic
Creative Service for CDROM Access: This is installed with Audio HQ. Recommended setting: Disabled
Crypkey License: This service is installed if you use "Swish" (http://www.swishzone.com). It is required to start up the program, otherwise an error about writing to a memory location pops up. Recommended setting: Disabled
Cryptographic Services: Detects Windows signatures (Microsoft tested software and patches). This will give you constant harassment if disabled. Recommended setting: Automatic
DefWatch: Part of Norton Anti-Virus. Do not disable if you want a functioning anti-virus. Recommended setting: Automatic
DHCP Client: Manages network configuration by registering and updating IP addresses and DNS names. It is needed for your internet connection. Recommended setting: Automatic
Distributed Link Tracking Client: Maintains links between NTFS files within a computer or across computers in a network domain. If you do not have a network, set this to disabled. Recommended setting: Manual
Distributed Transaction Coordinator: Coordinates transactions that span multiple resource managers. This is only needed for Message Queuing. Recommended setting: Manual
DNS Client: Needed for internet. Recommended setting: Automatic
Error Reporting Service: Allows error reporting for services and applications running in non-standard environments, and contacts Microsoft when you have an error. Recommended setting: Disabled
Event Log: Enables event log messages issued by Windows-based programs. Recommended setting: Automatic
Fast User Switching Compatibility: Provides management for applications that require assistance in a multiple user environment, therefore only needed if you have multiple people using the same computer with different accounts. Recommended setting: Manual
Fax service: Available on the XP CD. If you installed this you probably wanted it. Otherwise you can set this to disabled. Recommended setting: Automatic
FTP Publishing Service: Available on the XP CD. If you installed this you probably wanted it. Otherwise you can set this to disabled. Recommended setting: Automatic
Help and Support: Enables Help and Support Center to run on this computer. This is the second best resource you have for Microsoft help (right next to Google). You can set this to disabled if you do not use it. Recommended setting: Manual
Human Interface Device Access: This is for peripherals that have some sort of input with buttons like a scanner. Set to automatic if your peripherals do not activate without this service. Recommended setting: Disabled
IIS Admin: Available on the XP CD. If you installed this you probably wanted it. Otherwise you can set this to disabled. Recommended setting: Automatic
IMAPI CD-Burning COM Service: This service operates the drag and drop CD burn capability. You will need this service to burn CD's. Recommended setting: Manual
Indexing Service: Indexes contents and properties of files on local and remote computers. Not really necessary and requires a lot of resources. Recommended setting: Disabled.
Interactive Logon: This is a Windows XP power toy. Chances are, if you have this, you wanted it. Otherwise set to disabled. Recommended setting: Automatic
Internet Connection Firewall and Internet Connection Sharing: Used to allow multiple computers on your network to access the internet via only one account. This service installs on the "modem" computer. If you are using a third party firewall or Internet Connection Sharing software package, this service is not required. Recommended setting: Automatic
IPSEC Services: May be required on some domains. Recommended settings: Disabled
Logical Disk Manager: Detects and monitors new hard disk drives and sends disk volume information to Logical Disk Manager Administrative Service for configuration. Recommended setting: Manual
Logical Disk Manager Administrative Service: Configures hard disk drives and volumes. The service only runs for configuration processes and then stops. Recommended setting: Manual
Machine Debug Manager: Will be present if you have debugging software. Not necessary unless you need it. Recommended setting: Disabled
Message Queuing: Available on the XP CD. If you installed this you probably wanted it. Otherwise you can set this to disabled. Recommended setting: Automatic
Message Queuing Triggers: Available on the XP CD. If you installed this you probably wanted it. Otherwise you can set this to disabled or manual. Recommended setting: Automatic
Messenger: Transmits net send and Alerter service messages between clients and servers. This service is not related to Windows Messenger.
MS Software Shadow Copy Provider: Manages software-based volume shadow copies taken by the Volume Shadow Copy service. Recommended setting: Manual
Net Logon: Supports pass-through authentication of account logon events for computers in a domain.
NetMeeting Remote Desktop Sharing: Enables an authorized user to access this computer remotely by using NetMeeting over a corporate intranet. Recommended setting: Disabled
Network Connections: This is required to modify your internet connections and network. Recommended setting: Manual
Network DDE: Provides network transport and security for Dynamic Data Exchange (DDE) for programs running on the same computer or on different computers. Recommended setting: Disabled
Network DDE DSDM: Manages Dynamic Data Exchange (DDE) network shares. Recommended setting: Disabled
Network Location Awareness: This service is required for use with the Internet Connection Sharing service. Recommended setting: Manual
Norton Anti-Virus Auto Protect Service Part of Norton. Recommended setting: Manual
Norton Anti-Virus Server: Part of Norton. Recommended setting: Automatic
NT LM Security Support Provider: Provides security to remote procedure call (RPC) programs that use transports other than named pipes. Recommended setting: Disabled
NVIDIA Driver Helper Service: Comes with drivers for NVIDIA video cards. May go by an alias if made by another manufacturer. Recommended setting: Disabled
Panda anti-virus service: This is part of the Panda anti-virus. Keep in automatic if you want panda to operate. Recommended setting: Automatic
Performance Logs and Alerts: Collects performance data from local or remote computers based on preconfigured schedule parameters, then writes the data to a log or triggers an alert. Recommended setting: Disabled
Plug and Play: Enables a computer to recognize and adapt to hardware changes with little or no user input. Recommended setting: Automatic
Portable Media Serial Number Service: Retrieves the serial number of any portable media player connected to this computer. Recommended setting: Disabled
Print Spooler: Loads files to memory for later printing. Only disable if you do not have a printer. Recommended setting: Automatic
Protected Storage: Provides protected storage for sensitive data, such as private keys, to prevent access by unauthorized services, processes, or users. Recommended setting: Automatic
QoS RSVP: Provides traffic control on a network using IPSEC and applications that support QoS, and have an adapter that supports it. The QoS Packet Driver installs by default on any TCP/IP connections. Recommended setting: Disabled
Remote Access Auto Connection Manager: Only needed for some internet connections. Recommended setting: Manual
Remote Access Connection Manager: Creates a network connection. Recommended setting: Manual
Remote Desktop Help Session Manager: Manages and controls Remote Assistance. It is only needed if you use the remote desktop Feature. Recommended setting: Disabled
Remote Procedure Call (RPC): Provides the endpoint mapper and other miscellaneous RPC services. Recommended setting: Automatic
Remote Procedure Call (RPC) Locator: Manages the RPC name service database. Recommended setting: Manual
Remote Registry: Enables remote users to modify registry settings on this computer. Recommended setting: Disabled
Removable Storage: Used for managing removable media. Recommended setting: Manual
RIP Listener: Available on the XP CD. If you installed this you probably wanted it. Otherwise you can set this to disabled or manual. Recommended setting: Automatic
Routing and Remote Access: Offers routing services to businesses in local area and wide area network environments. Recommended setting: Disabled
Script Blocking Service: Part of Norton. Recommended setting: Automatic
Secondary Logon : Enables starting processes under alternate credentials. If you have limited account users on your computer leave this on in case they need to run something under administrator status. Recommended setting: Disabled
Security Accounts Manager: Stores security information for local user accounts. Recommended setting: Automatic
Server: Supports file, print, and named-pipe sharing over the network for this computer. Disable if you do not have a network. Recommended setting: Automatic
Shell Hardware Detection: Used for the auto play of devices like memory cards, CD drives, etc. Recommended setting: Automatic
Simple Mail Transport Protocol (SMTP): Available on the XP CD. If you installed this you probably wanted it. Otherwise you can set this to disabled. Recommended setting: Automatic
Simple TCP/IP Services: Available on the XP CD. If you installed this you probably wanted it. Otherwise you can set this to disabled. Recommended setting: Automatic
Smart Card: Manages access to smart cards read by this computer. Leave on Automatic if you use Smart Cards. Recommended setting: Disabled
Smart Card Helper: Enables support for legacy non-plug and play smart-card readers used by this computer. Leave on Automatic if you use Smart Cards. Recommended setting: Disabled
SNMP Service: Available on the XP CD. If you installed this you probably wanted it. Otherwise you can set this to disabled. Recommended setting: Automatic
SNMP Trap Service: Available on the XP CD. If you installed this you probably wanted it. Otherwise you can set this to disabled. Recommended setting: Automatic
SSDP Discovery Service: Enables discovery of UPnP devices on your home network. Recommended setting: Manual
System Event Notification: Tracks system events such as Windows logon, network, and power events. Recommended setting: Automatic
System Restore Service: Performs system restore functions. While this takes up a good deal of hard drive space, I recommend this feature as it will save you, should you get a virus or suddenly experience a problem which could normally only be fixed through an OS reinstallation. If you do not want system restore then simply disable it. Recommended setting: Automatic
Task Scheduler: Enables a user to configure and schedule automated tasks on this computer. Good for virus scanners. Recommended setting: Automatic
TCP/IP NetBIOS Helper: Available on the XP CD. If you installed this you probably wanted it. Otherwise you can set this to disabled. Recommended setting: Automatic
TCP/IP Printer Server: Available on the XP CD. If you installed this you probably wanted it. Otherwise you can set this to disabled. Recommended setting: Automatic
Telephony: Provides Telephony API (TAPI) support for programs that control telephony devices and IP based voice connections on the local computer and, through the LAN, on servers that are also running the service. This is needed for Dial-up internet and some forms of broadband. Recommended setting: Manual
Telnet: Enables a remote user to log on to this computer and run programs, and supports various TCP/IP Telnet clients, including UNIX-based and Windows-based computers. Recommended setting: Manual
Terminal Services: Allows multiple users to be connected interactively to a machine as well as the display of desktops and applications to remote computers. Recommended setting: Manual
Themes: For the use of LUNA. Only have on Automatic if you like LUNA. Recommended setting Disable
Uninterruptible Power Supply: Manages an uninterruptible power supply (UPS) connected to the computer. This is unnecessary, even if you have a UPS. Only some require it. Recommended setting: Disabled
Universal Plug and Play Device Host: Provides support to host Universal Plug and Play devices. Recommended setting: Disabled
Upload Manager: Manages synchronous and asynchronous file transfers between clients and servers on the network. You will probably not need this. Recommended setting: Manual
Volume Shadow Copy: Manages and implements Volume Shadow Copies used for backup and other purposes. Recommended setting: Manual
WebClient: Enables Windows-based programs to create, access, and modify Internet-based files. Recommended setting: Manual
Windows Audio: Manages audio devices for Windows-based programs. Recommended setting: Automatic
Windows Image Acquisition (WIA) : Provides image acquisition services for scanners and cameras, if you have a Scanner or camera, set this to Automatic. Recommended setting: Disabled
Windows Installer: Install, repair, and remove software according to instructions contained in MSI files. Recommended setting: Manual
Windows Management Instrumentation: Provides a common interface and object model to access management information about operating system, devices, applications and services. Recommended setting:
Windows Management Instrumentation Driver Extensions: Provides systems management information to and from drivers. If disabled you will have strange things occur. Recommended setting: Automatic
Windows Time: Maintains date and time synchronization on all clients and servers in the network. Only disable if you are able to remember to update your clock once a week. Recommended setting: Automatic
Wireless Zero Configuration: Provides automatic configuration for the 802.11 adapters. If you have wireless devices, leave this on automatic. Recommended setting: Disabled
WMDM PMSP Service: This is needed for Windows Media player. If you do not use WMP then set this to disabled. Recommended setting: Manual
WMI Performance Adapter : Provides performance library information from WMI HiPerf providers. Recommended setting: Disabled
Workstation: Creates and maintains client network connections to remote servers. Recommended setting: Automatic
World Wide Web Publishing Service: Available on the XP CD. If you installed this you probably wanted it. Otherwise you can set this to disabled. Recommended setting: Automatic

Sites: These sites are places that will assist you with additional questions you may have concerning windows as well as windows management.
Black Viper: Runs along the same lines as this guide, focusing mainly on installation and the services. Helped me identify what some services actually did, as well as additional services I did not have or know about, and whether they were necessary.
Bootdisk.com: Should you ever need a boot disk for any version of windows and even some version of Dos.
Cexx.org: A place all about Anti-Spyware and Anti-Censorship. Countering Exploitation by the big bad corperation.
Task List Programs : A helpful listing of what that program running in the processes tab in your task manager is.
The File Extension Source: A search engine with all file extensions listed. Helpful for figuring out what programs some unknown file may belong to.
The Win Super Site: This place is all about Microsoft, faq's on Windows versions, upcoming windows, releases of Microsoft applications, etc. He has compared OSX to XP if you are interested, as well as XP Professional to XP Home.
Also available: Longhorn Faq Windows XP Faq SP1 Faq And the Windows Server 2003 Faq