Clearing Unnecessary Services (3)
To modify a service, right-click the service and choose Properties from the context menu. You’ll see a Properties dialog box like the one shown in Figure 7.18. You’ll seldom need to use anything other than the General and Dependencies tabs. Always check the Dependencies tab before you stop a service to ensure that no other services (ones that you need) rely on the current service. Stopping a service that has dependent services always stops the dependent services as well.
The Startup Type field is very important for operation. Set this field to Automatic for services that you always want to start, Manual for services that you might want to start manually, at some point, and Disabled for services so dangerous that you never want them to start for any reason. The Service Status field tells you the current service status. Click Stop to stop a service that you no longer need.
The complexity of configuring a machine to use an optimal number of services has led to a number of lists online. Black Viper presents one of the better lists at http://www.blackviper.com/WinXP/ servicecfg.htm. This list considers a number of factors, including how you use your system. However, no one list is perfect. You might find that you need some services that other people don’t need.
Taken From : Microsoft Windows XP Power Optimization