Computer Basics & Beyond

When you download a new program to your system. It is a good idea to make sure that it is not running each time you start your system. It is common practice for program developers to have their programs start each time the Windows system is started. This way, they stand a better chance of having you look at them more often. The problem with this is that the more programs you have running when Windows starts, the slower your computer system becomes. Well, you can control how they start. Really, the only programs that should be running when you turn your system on is your security software (Firewall, Anti-Virus, Anti-Spyware). Everything else should not run until you ask it to run.

Most programs have startup options incorporated in to them, you just have to find where they are located. If you right click the link associated with the program in the Start Menu, then select Properties, you may find the startup options associated with that program. Or, try opening the program, go to "File" and see if there is a "Properties" option there. Once you find it, make sure that it will not run at each Windows startup. I wish I could be of more help, but each programmer places these options in different locations. It shouldn't be that difficult, keep hunting. If you cannot find this option, you will need to stop it from running using "MSCONFIG". This stands for Microsoft Configuration Utility. Here is how to use this utility:

1. Click the Start button, then click Run. Type in: msconfig [Enter] or click OK
2. When the Microsoft Configuration Utility loads, select the "Startup" tab at the top right of the window.
3. You will now see a list of available programs installed on your system. The programs that are checked are in fact running when Windows starts. In order to stop them from running, you will need to uncheck them. Just simply hold your mouse arrow over the checkmark and click. It will now become "unchecked". Once you have unchecked all of the programs that you would like to keep from starting, click Apply...then click OK to exit the Microsoft Configuration Utility. You will now be prompted to restart your computer for these changes to take effect.

The only problem with using the MSCONFIG method to stop programs from running is that when you do decide to start the program again, it turns itself back on in MSCONFIG. So now, each time Windows starts, this program starts. You then have to go back in and do this all over again. So you see, if there is an option available within the program itself to keep the program from running, it is much more permanent and will keep your system running smoothly and efficiently.