Computer. Programs running in the background

[LubeDude]

Ive got 14 programs running all the time Im on the internet, Which ones do I need to have running and which ones can I delete out. Also how do I get rid of them all together. I can end task on them but when I reboot they come back. This is my work computer, and I have no programs other than internet explorer that need to be running. I know there are just a few that need to be running other than that.

 

[blacktie]

Re: Computer. Programs running in the background

lubedude...hello<br /><br />even though it is not my username...I am computerdude (it is what I do for a living) LOL <br /><br />a few questions:<br /><br />are these actual programs (like they show up in the task bar on the bottom of the screen), or are these background processes (you can see these by viewing task manager...if you don't know what I am talking about, they aren't these)<br /><br />if they are actual programs, it might be likely that you have spyware on your computer (especially if you are hooked into the internet on a broadband connection without a firewall)<br /><br />lemme know, and I can see if I can help<br /><br />later

 

[Boomyal]

Re: Computer. Programs running in the background

blacktie, may be you could answer the question in this earlier post, as well? Seems to have stumped everyone.<br /><br /> http://www.iboats.com/cgi-bin/ubb/ultimatebb.cgi?ubb=get_topic;f=37;t=000409#000000

 

[gsbodine]

Re: Computer. Programs running in the background

you can check out what programs are set to start at bootup by typing 'msconfig' without the quotes into the Run... blank in the start menu (that is, if you are using any windows machine other than windows 2000, which they removed this program from) and clicking the startup tab. You can check or uncheck the programs there to allow or disallow them to load at boot. <br /><br />If you have Windows 2000, or if you want something moer powerful, try installing Spybot from www.safer-networking.org and updating and scanning with it. It's totally free (though he does ask for donations). In the advanced tools section of it, there is a startup tab that works similarly to the msconfig program. It will also take care of much of the spyware that blacktie was referring to.

 

[Ralph 123]

Re: Computer. Programs running in the background

Checkout the best little free applet on the planet: Startup Control Panel by Mike Lin www.mlin.net lets you easily see and turn off/on all programs that start automatically.

 

[blacktie]

Re: Computer. Programs running in the background

ol' norse hit my first solution right on the head. Spybot is simply the best program out there to get rid of spyware programs. <br /><br />Programs that "start on their own" come from 3 general areas in windows:<br /><br />1: Programs that are placed in the "startup" folder. The programs that Ol' Norse and Ralph mention will let you see/control those. You can also see/control some of them by clicking the start button->programs->startup. These are just plain old programs that will show up either in the task bar as large buttons (the grey bar at the bottom of the window), or as small icons in the system tray (the small indented area next to the time display)<br /><br />2: Backgroud services and programs. These are installed by windows, and many of them are necessary for the operating system to function right. You can see these if you open up task manager, and click on the processes tab. right click the taskbar->task manager. Unless you have some reason to, or are an expert in windows services, you should not mess with these.<br /><br />3: Spyware. These are insidious programs that track and monitor what you are doing with your computer, and transmit it using your internet connection to some other location (usually some sort of advertising firm). Spyware gets on your computer when you click on many of the pop-up stuff that appears when you are cruising the web. Spybot (the program) will get rid of these hidden programs for you. Even more sinister are the popup ads that tell you that you have spyware on your computer, and tell you to click a link to remove it. Ironically, these pop-ups actually install additional spyware onto your computer. Cute social engineering...<br /><br />Just a safe browsing FYI:<br />All of my computers (we have a network of 3 computers, a server, and a laptop at my home...for 3 people) are equipped with three programs, all of which are FREE, and very easy to install<br /><br />Spybot (update it regularly) here is a link <br /> http://www.safer-networking.org/ <br /><br />AVG anti-virus (as good or better than most commercial programs costing $25+ ...update it regularly) here is a link <br /> http://www.grisoft.com/us/us_dwnl_free.php <br /><br />Pop-Up Stopper (works great, and is easy to turn on/off for when you actually hit a site that uses content popups) here is a link<br /> http://www.panicware.com/product_psfree.html <br /><br />Admins: I hope the links are OK here. I am not affiliated with any of these products, and they are all free, so there is no product hawking going on here...just free safe computing utils. If the links are a problem, let me know, and I will edit them into oblivion.<br /><br />Happy browsing.

 

[gsbodine]

Re: Computer. Programs running in the background

I'd go so far as to recommend not using Internet Explorer. Mozilla Firefox is a better browser that controls popups better than the google toolbar, or any others, imo. It allows you to let certain sites open popups according to your prefs, etc. Also, CTRL-clicking links allows you to open them in the background in tabs, instead of opening up new browser windows etc, saving clutter and space. It has lots of other nice plugins and is not nearly as susceptible to spyware infiltrations as IE. <br /><br />I also use AVG on all Windows machines. It is a very good free product.

 

[phatmanmike]

Re: Computer. Programs running in the background

lubey dude, go tin your computer and under start menu, go "run" and then type in "msconfig"<br /><br />from there you can check all the programs you either want or dont want to come on at startup, i had 27 of them , now i only have 2<br /><br />m ikey

 

[mellowyellow]

Re: Computer. Programs running in the background

Ralphy back from the dead? <br /><br />update: roadrunner (time warner cable) now gives<br />all users anti-virus and fire-wall software from<br />computer assoc. to all members for free

 

[LubeDude]

Re: Computer. Programs running in the background

I new about the Msconfig, but when I get time I will try some of the other things. I think most of my problems may be Spyware. Im refuring to when you hit control alt delete you get a bunch of things running in the back ground. are those spyware?

 

[blacktie]

Re: Computer. Programs running in the background

could be. some of them could also be services like I mentioned in #2 in my post.

 

[LubeDude]

Re: Computer. Programs running in the background

Thanks guys.<br /><br />I downloaded Spybot, It took about an hour to download, run a scan, reboot, run another scan.<br /><br />It found 129 problems the first time and 9 more the second time. I can allready tell the computer is running a little faster. It was starting to drag a little and I had done all the regular things to clean it up. This is just a little Pentium II that I use here at the shop for emails and a little web surfing.<br /><br />Im going to install Spybots on my home computer tonight, it will be interesting what I will find on it.

 

[blacktie]

Re: Computer. Programs running in the background

cool...glad it is helping lubedude.

 

[mike1234tampa]

Re: Computer. Programs running in the background

Very little for free on the internet is realy free, my advice to all of the people I deal with a PC's, if you apsolutly need it load it, if you just want to check it out, ask sombody who has it if it worth installing. Deal is is msconfig gets some out, but genealy the add new entries in registry key<br /><br />Hkey_local_Machine_software<br />and other places not so apparent<br /><br />Your PC's registry is somethimg you don't mess with unless you know what your doing, but most times once the damage is done, its called format, or in the lagacy OS days FDISK, <br /><br />I am a PC guy by trade MCSE, MCSA, MSP build them, network em, you name it<br /><br />One thing to look for is if anyone has loaded any Peer to Peer software sharing , that stuff is evil, Kaza, stuff like that, open up a bunch of ports, bad evil stuff, I get guys in the office saying there kids done something and now its slow, they loaded the old Kaza on it, BAD<br /><br />Firewalls our helpfull, Win XP has one built in but is off by default, most routers have a firewall in them if you turn it on, anti virus is always a must, and make sure you do all your Windows critical updates, and keep virus defintions updated<br /><br />129 is alot, but I have seen 1000+ a couple times

 

[Dunaruna]

Re: Computer. Programs running in the background

So far, spybot is completely free and also the best IMO. The authors 'plee' for donations is getting louder, don't know how much longer it will be free???<br /><br />Aldo

 

[blacktie]

Re: Computer. Programs running in the background

boat back from dead dude...I am just a few tests away from mcsp (I just program 'em)...you hold some mighty credentials my friend. Heed his posts about peer-peer software.<br /><br />one thing I do almost annually is a complete "clean slate" install on all my pc's. Like BBFDD, I fdisk, repartition, then reinstall the OS, then only the apps I need and use.<br /><br />here is a better analogy (since we are in a boating forum...), how many of you would just run your boat, never performing any maintenance until it just plain quit functioning?...I didn't think so. Treat your PC the same way...perform regular maintenance, and it will perform well.

 

[Dunaruna]

Re: Computer. Programs running in the background

Originally posted by blacktie:<br /> <br />here is a better analogy (since we are in a boating forum...), how many of you would just run your boat, never performing any maintenance until it just plain quit functioning?...I didn't think so. Treat your PC the same way...perform regular maintenance, and it will perform well.

Stick around, you'll be surprised!!!!<br /><br />Aldo

 

[blacktie]

Re: Computer. Programs running in the background

who am I to talk....I botched winterizing, so now I am installing a new longblock....

 

[mike1234tampa]

Re: Computer. Programs running in the background

Ouch, can't fdisk that

 

[LubeDude]

Re: Computer. Programs running in the background

Installed the spybot program on this home computer and ran it and found only 32 problems. This one is protected better though, but my protection didnt stop it all. No change in performance, but this one was running fine anyway. Actually did get rid of one anoying pop up.