PC Freezing – Computer and Coding Errors Solved

There is a quick way to see what programs automatically run when your computer boots up.  It is advisable to check on what programs are running on start-up, as this can affect the computer’s speed and performance.  Here is how to do so:

Go to the Search blank (Start – Search in XP, the “Start Search” blank in Vista).  Type in msconfig then hit enter.  A System Configuration box will come up.  Click on the Startup tab.

Every item in the list that you see that has a checkmark in the box on the left is running on start-up on your computer.  To stop one from running, simply uncheck the box on the left and hit Apply.  Many of these programs/processes are necessary for boot-up and should be left alone.  Never stop a program from running if you are not certain of what it is and what it does.  If in doubt, leave well enough alone.  The idea is to look for programs with familiar names that you know you do not need to run on start-up.  Examples of common ones are QuickTime, iTunes, Adobe Acrobat.  By unchecking the box, you are not disabling the program from running and you will still be able to use it.  Rather, you are stopping it from automatically running on start-up, which will help with your computer’s performance.