Windows XP Services

Title: Windows XP Services URL: http://www.computershack.net/content.php?article.21 Description: A complete guide of how to secure your computer by disabling security risks in the Windows Services page. Written by www.computershack.net

Windows XP Services Optimization

(Skill Level:) Advanced Windows Logo

Services are similar to programs that run with your computer, but instead of being called programs, they are embedded into Windows, made to take up less memory while running, and they are called "services". While some are essential, others will NEVER be used, and can even cause security holes in your computer. Services can have 3 settings:

Disabled -can NOT run ever

Manual -run AS NEEDED

Automatic (starts with windows).

Each setting has its use and reason. If one setting doesn’t work, try another.

You can try whatever settings you like, as these can be changed easily, and will not damage windows in the process. Things might not work, but all that is needed is to change the service back to its original state to repair.

To access your services menu, Start > Run > services.msc

Listed are services, their setting, and their descriptions.

Below is a list of some services I changed, and what they do. I recommend setting services to Manual instead of DISABLED unless specified otherwise.

• • • Write down your settings you change, as you will likely disable needed things***

List of Changeable Windows XP Services

Alerter - Manual – Used for server operating systems to send computer alerts

Application Management - Manual - Used for web publishing via Windows

Clipbook - DISABLED – Lets you sync your clipboard on 2 computers

Fast User Switching - Manual - Lets you start programs as other users

Help and Support - Manual - Loads the help files for windows when started

IMAPI CD burning - Manual - Lets you burn CDs using Windows (not nero/roxio)

Indexing Service - (you decide) - Uses your computer 24/7 to make searching faster (not essential)

Messenger - DISABLED - Allows for popups, and spam. NO LEGITIMATE USES!

Netmeeting Remote Desktop - DISABLED - Allows users on Netmeeting to control your comp.

Remote Procedure Call - Automatic - Allows windows to run its programs as needed

Remote Registry - DISABLED - Allows remote control of all of your settings

Smart Card - DISABLED - Used only if you were issued a smart card....

System Restore - (you decide) - Windows can save you if you break it. (slows you down)

Task Scheduler - Manual - Allows programs to be run at a certain time without the user

TCP/IP NetBIOS Helper - DISABLED - Used to interface with OLD network items (printers, computers)

Telephony - (you decide) - Allows for modem use

Telnet - DISABLED - If you don't know what it is, you don't use this

Terminal Services - DISABLED - If you don't know, you dont use

Universal Plug N Play - DISABLED – Auto detects network devices (security risk)

Windows Firewall - (you decide) - Blocks potential threats from accessing your comp.

Windows Image Aquisition - (you decide) - If you have camera/scanner, you use this.

Wireless Zero Config - (you decide) - If you use wireless networks, you use this.

Again, you cannot 'break' windows doing this, although you may disable services that are needed for your programs etc... All that is needed is that you change your settings back if its not working, and things will be normal... If Windows was normal to begin with.....