start up windows xp

[chet riley]

I recently purchased a new dell with windows xp. Ran into
some problems setting up anto-virus software, visited the
norton site, and they analyzed my set up. Said there were
22 programs loaded on start up, and the rule of thumb was
not to load more than 10.

Reviewed the start up using msconfig.exe and saw the large
number of services and programs being loaded.

My question: How can I determine what each entry does and
whether I really want it, especially all the stuff running
in the background? Is there some place to go to find out
what each entry is?

 

[Mike]

I have 26 progs running in MSCONFIG start-up and have no problems at all.. I
would advise you to run an anti-virus program other than Norton..

 

[Jupiter Jones [MVP]]

Chet;
Is that documented on their site?
If so where?
Or was it a tech that knew little about what he was saying?

See #12 on this link to help decide what is needed:
http://www3.telus.net/dandemar/slowcom.htm