Changes to Windows XP Services

Update: I like the advice that TweakHound gives in his Super XP Tweaking Guide. I also found some advice for tweaking Windows Vista services too. I have no idea how valid they are, because I don't have a Vista computer to try them on. It's up to you to determine what works in your own situation anyway. ;-).

There are many Windows services that run when you start your computer. Services are like programs that run in the background. There are running in case they are needed by another program. Most of you will never use all of them, including some that open your computer to attack.

You'll get the best payback, in terms of security and performance, by disabling the services listed in the table below. See the links at the right for more services that you can suppress.

[Start > Control Panel > Administrative Tools > Services] or [Start > All Programs > Administrative Tools > Services] to open "Services".
Service XP Home
Defaults		 XP Pro
Defaults		 Most Users
Computer Browser Automatic Automatic Disabled
Indexing Service Manual Manual Disabled2
Messenger Automatic Automatic Disabled
NetMeeting Remote Desktop Sharing Manual Manual Disabled1
QoS RSVP Manual Manual Disabled2
Remote Desktop Help Session Manager Manual Manual Disabled1
Remote Procedure Call (RPC) Warning: Do not disable this service under any circumstances. You will not be able to start your computer again if you do.
Remote Registry Service Not Available Automatic Disabled1
Server Automatic Automatic Disabled1
SSDP Discovery Service Manual Manual Disabled1
TCP/IP NetBIOS Helper Service Automatic Automatic Disabled1
Telnet Not Available Manual Disabled
Universal Plug and Play Device Host Manual Manual Disabled1

NOTES:

(1) If you're using these services, set this item to the default value instead of the recommended value.

(2) Disabling "Indexing Service" and "QoS RSVP" will improve computer performance and Internet connection speed. Disabling the others (don't touch RPC) will also improve security.