1. Computer Browser -- Disable if your not on a network ie if you have a stand alone pc
2. DHCP Client - Only if you have a static IP address, if you dont know what that is, leave it enabled.
3. Distributed Link Tracking Client - If your not on a network, disable it.
4. Error Reporting Service - Disable this, 100% not needed
5.
Fast User Switching Compatibility - only needed if you use the "switch
user" funtion, in other words to switch between logins, set to disabled
if you dont need it
6. Help and Support - Disable, help and
support is useless anyway. in all the years ive used windows its never
once been of any help, nor has it ever supported me.
7. IPSEC
Services - used for encrypting data transfer across a network or
subnet(s), not really something a typical home user has use for. set it
to manual if you are unsure, but mine is set to disabled. its quite
safe to do so.
8. Java Quick Starter - personally i would
disable it as i have never had any use for java. do you use java? even
so, this service is only to speed up the initialisation of java
applets, unless you use java applets all the time and it would make a
difference, i would disable it. it also uses 20mb of ram + whatever is
running in virtual memory.
see:
9.
Network Location Awareness (NLA) - only needed if you are using windows
firewall or if you are connecting to the internet through another
computer, or vice versa. also if you are connecting to multiple
networks. i would set it to manual but it looks to be one of those
services that continue to run when set to manual. probably because of
windows firewall.
10. Print Spooler - do you have a printer?
11.
Protected Storage - used for securely storing passwords in memory for
the "auto complete" function when browsing the web or using
applications, can be useful. up to you. i use mine.
12. Remote
Access Connection Manager - if you have a router, like me, you dont
need this, only if you connect directly to the internet this is
sometimes needed, or if you connect to the internet through another
computer (ICS) mine is disabled, set it to manual if that is more
comfortable.
13. Server Service - for filesharing and network printers. useless if you dont have a network.
14.
Shell Hardware Detection - used to detect new hardware such as usb
devices etc and used with the autoplay feature. most of the time when
you connect new hardware you have software to go with it, so all round
pretty pointless. it can also be exploited in an privilege escalation
attack. set it to manual and take note of this particular service, if
you find symptoms that match what it is used for, set it back to
automatic.
15. SSDP Discovery Service - useless wiothout a
network, probably useless with one too. the service "Universal Plug and
Play Device Host" depends on this, but you can disable that too. you
need this service for ICS, connecting to the internet through another
computer, unless you do that then their is not point.
16. TCP/IP NetBIOS Helper disabled! also disable netbios:
17. Telephony - manual.
18.
Terminal Services - the following services make use of this, Remote
Desktop (including RD for Administrators), Fast User Switching, Remote
Assistance, and Terminal Server. remeber "fast user switching"? also if
you are expeting remote assistance from anyone you will need this
running, the others you wont need to worry about. also it displays
usernames next to running processes in task manager, so if you dont
have a need for any of these set it to manual, however i use mine for
fast user switching and usernames in taskmanager.
19. Themes - i use mine, for xp themes.
20.
Viewpoint Manager Service - no idea what it is, apparently comes
bundled with AOL software and some other stuff, viewpoint has several
applications, media player, toolbar etc. its used for graphical
programs of somesort, its described as bloatware, in other words
software that takes up resources. disable it because there is no need
for a service for it.
some people say its spyware, which im not sure it is.
some info on it:
21. WebClient - has apparently no use, set it to manual and stop the service.
22.
Windows Image Acquisition (WIA) - used for cameras and scanners. set to
manual, or leave it as automatic if you think you will need it.
23.
Wireless Zero Configuration - needed for wireless configuration. do you
use wireless? disable and take note for future reference.
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24. Workstation only really needed on a domain based network, set it to manual.
25. reboot your pc. and see if everything works, ie youc an connect to the internet etc.
26.
Remote Access Connection Manager - i left this until last because it
makes no sense. the description is "creates a network connection" i
have a small single pc network at home, where i connect to my router, i
have this service disabled and it does not affect me in any way, rather
pointless.
that
description say sif you use a router there is no need, i guess its only
needed for direct connection to a larger network such as the internet.
i donno beyond me. if you have a router/gateway then you dont need it.
