 |
|
| |
SAFE PROFILE |
FOR OPTIMIZED CLIENT NETWORK /
NON-NETWORK COMPUTERS |
| |
MODERATE PROFILE |
FOR MULTI-PURPOSE CLIENT /
PERFORMANCE RIGS |
| |
GNARLY PROFILE |
FOR STAND ALONE -
NON-NETWORKED / NON-SHARED GAMER ONLY |
|
|
|
 |
 |
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safe |
mod |
gnarly |
 |
Alerter |
Notifies selected users and computers of administrative alerts. Normal
users won't need this. |
D |
D |
D |
|
|
Application Layer Gateway Service |
Enables support for programs that need Internet Connection Sharing. ZoneAlarm is one such program. If you use a
software firewall or a third party plug-in that requires internet connection, you
will need this service. |
D |
D |
D |
|
|
Application Management |
You need this service to change/remove software services and program
installations. |
M |
M |
M |
|
|
Automatic Updates |
Windows XP update won't function without this service. If you use
Windows Update server, you must have this service set to automatic. This
does not mean that Automatic Updates are turned on. This is just the
base service. |
A |
D |
D |
|
|
Background Intelligent Transfer |
Enables data transfer from HTTP1.1 servers. Windows Update website may
refuse to function if this is disabled. |
M |
D |
D |
|
|
ClipBook |
Enable sharing of clipboard information with other computers. Highly
unnecessary. |
D |
D |
D |
|
|
COM+ Event System |
Base service for System Event Notification. Average users don't need
this, but it is useful for advanced users trying to track down an error
in their systems. The Event Log will report an error if this service is
disabled, don't worry. |
M |
D |
D |
|
|
COM+ System Application |
Used in conjunction with COM+ Event System service. If you have disabled
that one, this service is useless. |
M |
D |
D |
|
|
Computer Browser |
Provides a list of computers in your network. Unless your machine is a
part of a separate network system (such as in your office on-campus or a
home network of several machines) you won't need this. |
A |
D |
D |
|
|
Cryptographic Services |
Used to check certifications of Windows drivers. If you have this
service disabled, you will end up getting frustrating amounts of
uncertified driver warnings and Windows Update may refuse to launch. |
A |
A |
D |
|
|
DCOM Server Process Launcher |
|
A |
A |
A |
|
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DHCP Client
|
Connects to your DHCP server and obtains a Dynamic IP address. Internet
Connection Sharing systems need this. If your machine uses a static IP
or is a standalone system, you may disable this service.
|
A |
A |
D |
|
|
Distributed Link Tracking Client |
Keeps the links of NTFS files on your machine and NTFS files in your
domain intact. Pretty much useless unless you use active links to files
on other machines in your local area network (who does?). |
A |
D |
D |
|
|
Distributed Transaction Coordinator |
Manages the transactions with files on several different sources.
Required only if you use Message Queuing (MSMQ) service. |
M |
D |
D |
|
|
DNS Client |
Service used to resolve DNS names and use domain controller functions.
If you are using IP Security Policy service (IPSEC), keep this,
otherwise disable it. |
A |
D |
D |
|
|
Error Reporting Service |
Service to report application errors to Microsoft. Sounds way more
useful than it actually is. Don't waste your resources on this one. |
A |
D |
D |
|
|
Event Log |
Provides access to application messages in Event Viewer. This one's
useful if you'd like to figure out what is going on during the startup
process of XP. This process is also a requirement for Windows Management
Instrumentation service. This service is required if running a
mobile broadband connection. |
A |
D |
D |
|
|
Fast User Switching Compatibility |
if you share the same machine with multiple users, this process will
enable user switching without logging out. Not recommended unless there
is a queue of family members behind you waiting to check their emails. |
D |
D |
D |
|
|
Fax Service |
This one is not installed by default. It's available on the XP
installation CD. Install it only if you need it. |
D |
D |
D |
|
|
Help and Support |
Microsoft online help documentation. If you disable this one you will
end up getting numerous warnings and errors whenever you try to do
anything remotely connected to the Microsoft online help system. |
A |
D |
D |
|
|
HTTP SSL |
Coming with Service Pack 2, this is the service for secure hypertext
transfer protocol (HTTPS) using Secure Socket Layer (SSL) technology. If disabled
this will cause SSL dependent services/applications fail.
|
A |
M |
D |
|
|
Human Interface Device (HID) Access |
Enables access to several peripheral devices including but not limited
to USB devices, such as USB mice, USB keyboards, etc. Test this
setting to see if onboard devices require it. |
A |
M |
D |
|
|
IMAPI CD-Burning COM Service |
If you are using the drag and drop CD burning feature of Windows XP,
keep this on. Not necessary if you do all your burning through third
party applications. |
M |
M |
D |
|
|
Indexing Service |
Claimed to be very helpful for local searches but for that it consumes a
HUGE amount of resources. This is the very first service to be disabled
or even removed from the machine (via the Add/Remove Programs ->
Add/Remove Windows Components in the Control Panel). |
D |
D |
D |
|
|
Internet Connection Firewall (ICF) |
Small changes with SP2, as this one is now listed as Windows
Firewall/Internet Connection Sharing (ICS). Windows Firewall and
Internet Connection Sharing Service. You need this if you are utilizing
services that require this service running. If you use another firewall
and don't need ICS service you may try to disable this. Just like
Automatic Updates, running this service does not necessarily mean that
the Windows Firewall is active. I'd recommend to keep this on even if
you don't use the Firewall. |
A |
D |
D |
|
|
Internet Connection Sharing (ICS)
|
Allows all computers on your local network to access the Internet via a
single account. |
A |
D |
|
|
|
IPSEC Services |
IP Security Protocol. Required for some advanced user services. If you
don't know what IP security protocol is good for, you don't need this
service. |
A |
D |
D |
|
|
Logical Disk Manager |
If you are dealing with dynamic volumes, you need this to
open the Disk Management MMC console. |
M |
D |
D |
|
|
Logical Disk Manager Administrative Service |
Part of the Logical Disk Manager service above. |
M |
D |
D |
|
|
Message Queuing |
This is not installed by default. Finds very limited usage in hands of a
normal user. I say disable. If you absolutely need this service, you
will have to start a couple of other services required for this one
(like Distributed Transaction Coordinator service). |
A |
D |
D |
|
|
Message Queuing Triggers |
If you use Message Queuing service, you will need this one too. |
A |
D |
D |
|
|
Messenger
|
This one's often confused with MSN Messenger. This is NOT MSN MESSENGER
service. This one merely sends messages between clients and servers.
Chances are you won't EVER need this one. Then again, if you uninstall
the application XP will bug you, so just disable and forget about it. |
D |
D |
D |
|
|
MS Software Shadow Copy Provider |
Backup Service utilizes this one. If you use Volume Shadow Copy Service,
enable this one too. If you disable this one you may see a warning in
the Event Log, never mind that. |
M |
D |
D |
|
|
Net Logon |
Service to log on to a Domain Controller. Useless if your machine is not
part of a domain (such as student machines domain at a college). |
M |
D |
D |
|
|
NetMeeting Remote Desktop Sharing |
Allows remote access to your computer using NetMeeting. Unless you
really need this, don't activate this service. |
M |
D |
D |
|
|
Network Connections |
Service to network connectivity management. Not used in a
standalone machine. If you do not mess with network settings often you can
disable this one (you will have to remember to turn it back on if you need to
change the smallest something pertaining to network settings). Won't hurt to
leave it on though. |
A |
M |
D |
|
|
Network DDE |
Part of ClipBook service, hence useless as well.
|
D |
D |
D |
|
|
Network DDE DSDM |
Part of ClipBook service. Useless.
|
D |
D |
D |
|
|
Network Location Awareness (NLA) |
Not needed unless your machine is the server that runs the Internet
Connection Sharing Service in your network. |
M |
D |
D |
|
|
Network Provisioning
Service |
|
M |
D |
D |
|
|
NT LM Security Support Provider |
Use this only if your machine is a Message Queuing Server or a Telnet
server. Otherwise disable. |
M |
D |
D |
|
|
Nvidia Driver Helper Service |
Now, this one's not a native XP service but since
there are many users that have problems with this service I decided to add it
here. If your system has an Nvidia 3-D graphics card installed you will find
this one among your services. If you experience system hangs during
shutdowns or shutdowns taking minutes, this service is most probably the
culprit. Doesn't matter what anyone else claims, YOU DON'T NEED THIS. |
D |
D |
D |
|
|
Performance Logs and Alerts |
Service that collects performance data on a set schedule and logs the
information. It can invoke alerts if set to do so. Useful for a few
people. I am not among them. |
D |
D |
D |
|
|
Plug and Play |
If there are a handful of services that you should NOT disable, this is
one of them. If you choose to do so, you can still disable this but
Windows XP will be clueless most of the time thereafter. Leave this on
Automatic. |
A |
A |
A |
|
|
Portable Media Serial Number |
If you connect a portable media device (read: music player) to your
machine, this service logs its serial number. That way you will end up
owning a nice list of numbers to look at and wonder, why? |
M |
M |
D |
|
|
Print Spooler |
Used for print queuing. If you have a printer installed in Windows XP
(local or network) set this to Automatic. |
A |
M |
D |
|
|
Protected Storage |
This service saves local passwords and AutoComplete entries. If you want
your passwords saved in applications, so you won't have to type them
again (e.g. Dialup Network dialog) use this service. The information is
secure but if you're a security freak better leave this alone. |
A |
A |
D |
|
|
QoS RSVP |
QoS packet driver service for controlling the traffic on a network. The
network must use IPSEC protocol and run applications that support QoS, plus have
an adapter that supports it. Hopefully you got it by now: YOU DON'T NEED
THIS unless absolutely necessary. For some odd reason this service is
installed by default if you setup any TCP/IP connection. So, you have
this running. Disable it. |
M |
D |
D |
|
|
Remote Access Auto Connection Manager |
If a program asks for a remote address this service connects your
machine to the requested network automatically. Normally you don't need
this. If an application complains about not being able to connect to
some network, enable this. Otherwise you can keep it disabled. |
M |
D |
D |
|
|
Remote Access Connection Manager
|
Used in conjunction with the service above to create a network
connection. This service is required if you use Internet Connection
Sharing. If you lose your internet connectivity when you disable this
service, turn it back on. Otherwise you may leave it disabled. |
M |
D |
D |
|
|
Remote Desktop Help Session Manager |
Remote Assistance tasks need this service to function properly. If you
do not use remote help, disable it. |
M |
D |
D |
|
|
Remote Procedure Call (RPC)
|
If there is one service that you MUST have, this is
it. It's the heart of XP and pretty much everything depends on this service.
That's the main reason why you cannot disable it here. If you want to disable
this one, uninstall Windows XP while you're at it, cuz it won't function without
this service anyway. Automatic. DON'T TOUCH IT! |
A |
A |
A |
|
|
Remote Procedure Call (RPC) Locator |
Service for the RPC name service database.
Part of the RPC family, meaning leave it on Automatic. Look somewhere else if
you have to disable a service. |
M |
M |
M |
|
|
Remote Registry Service |
If for some reason you want someone to gain access to your local
registry, this is the service you need to get running. That also leaves
your machine 100% vulnerable. |
D |
D |
D |
|
|
Removable Storage |
You may disable this service if you do not use removable storage
devices. |
M |
M |
D |
|
|
RIP Listener
|
This is another service that is not installed by default. RIP is Routing
Information Protocol, which teaches your machine different routes on a
network. Unless you are a system admin that needs different access
routes in a specific network, you don't need this. |
M |
D |
D |
|
|
Routing and Remote Access
|
Use this to allow routing services to local area networks and wide area
networks. Activate if necessary. |
M |
D |
D |
|
|
Secondary Logon |
Service necessary to start processes under alternate credentials. Could
never find a good use for this one. |
A |
D |
D |
|
|
Security Accounts Manager
|
Stores security information for local users (see also
Protected Storage). IIS Admins need this one, normal users don't. |
D |
D |
D |
|
|
Server
|
Service to enable file and print sharing from your computer. Message
Queuing needs this service too. If you only need access other machines
on your local network, Workstation service will be sufficient. Activate
this if you want your machine to serve files to others or if the printer
is physically connected to your machine. |
A |
A |
D |
|
|
Shell Hardware Detection |
Manages the Autoplay function. This is especially good when you connect
an external card reader or a USB storage device to access the files
inside. |
A |
D |
D |
|
|
Smart Card |
Enables Smart Card authentication of a local or network computer. Not
needed unless you use a Smart Card to accomplish that task. |
D |
D |
D |
|
|
Smart Card Helper
|
No Smart Card, no Helper service. Period. |
D |
D |
D |
|
|
SNMP Service |
Another service not installed by default. If you happen to possess a
networking equipment that uses SNMP as a mode of management you will
find a use for this service. |
M |
D |
D |
|
|
SNMP Trap Service |
Part of the service above. Not installed by default. |
M |
D |
D |
|
|
SSDP Discovery Service |
Used in conjunction with Universal Plug and Play Device Host. This
service detects and configures UPnP devices on your network over TCP/IP.
Normally you won't find much use for this one. |
M |
D |
D |
|
|
System Event Notification |
If you use COM+ Event System activate this service to obtain a list of
system events. If you notice warnings in the Event Log due to disabling
this service, do not worry. Normally you do not need this service.
|
A |
D |
D |
|
|
System Restore Service |
This service creates restore points. If this service is
on, and you use it to create a restore point, you can go back to that point
anytime. It's a good idea to use this service when experimenting with the
Services. Be aware though that System Restore Service is a close second to
Indexing Service when it comes to consuming resources. If you are not in
the habit of taking unnecessary risks with your XP system , you may very
well live with this service disabled. Then again, the fact that you're
reading this list warrants the use of this service. |
A |
A |
D |
|
|
Task Scheduler |
Service to setup automated tasks at scheduled times. Needed if you use
programs that perform regular automatic updates.
|
A |
A |
D |
|
|
TCP/IP NetBIOS Helper Service |
Primarily for older machines /
networks.
Legacy support for networks using NetBios over
TCP/IP. It's unlikely that you will need this one. However if your network
specifically uses NetBios, this will be the service needed. |
M |
D |
D |
|
|
TCP/IP Printer |
Not installed by default. The purpose of this service is to create and
setup a local UNIX print server. |
A |
D |
D |
|
|
Telephony |
Provides Telephony API support for telephony devices on the local
computer. Required for dial-up modem connectivity. If you are using
another method for connection (ADSL, Cable Modem, T1 etc), disable it. Disabled,
Automatic if you use dialup |
M |
D |
D |
|
|
Telnet |
Makes your machine a telnet server and allows others to connect to and
run programs on your machine. Not needed. |
D |
D |
D |
|
|
Terminal Services |
Service to manage remote logins to your machine. You need this service
if you use Fast User Switching, Remote Desktop, and Remote Assistance. |
M |
D |
D |
|
|
Themes |
Manages the look of Windows XP. If you are like me, who wants to keep the
old 98 look, disable it. If you like the new desktop themes, annoyingly candybar-ish menus and colored taskbar etc, keep this on Automatic. Disabled,
Automatic if you love the new XP look |
A |
D |
D |
|
|
Uninterruptible Power Supply |
If you own a UPS, you need this. Otherwise disable.
|
D |
D |
D |
|
|
Universal Plug and Play Device Host |
Used in parallel with the SSDP Discovery Service, this service is used
to setup and configure Universal PnP devices on your network. This has
nothing to do with the PnP service. You can very well disable this one
whereas YOU SHOULD NOT DISABLE the PnP service. |
M |
D |
D |
|
|
Volume Shadow Copy |
Part of the MS Software Shadow Copy Provider Service. Backup function
uses these services. You can safely disable this one if you use another
backup option. |
M |
D |
D |
|
|
WebClient |
Enables Windows programs create/access/modify web-based files. You
accessing those files means someone else might access your machine as
well. In other words, this service will leave your machine more
vulnerable to web-based attacks. |
A |
D |
D |
|
|
Windows Audio |
Backbone of the Windows sound system. If you disable this you won't hear
any sounds. Keep on Automatic. |
A |
A |
A |
|
|
Windows Image Acquisition (WIA) |
Used to acquire images from scanners and cameras. Most programs have
their own routines to do this but if you need to access the scanner
directly from Windows XP, use this service. |
M |
M |
D |
|
|
Windows Installer |
Required for all installations through MSI files. MSI is the
file type that the Windows Installer uses. Office application is a good example
of an MSI file. A great number of third party applications use MS Installer, so
you will need this. |
M |
M |
D |
|
|
Windows Firewall/Internet Connection
Sharing (ICS) |
My experience, this just complicates
networking between computers |
A |
D |
D |
|
|
Windows Management Instrumentation |
Activates the dependencies in service configurations. Disabling this may
cause some serious headache. |
A |
A |
A |
|
|
Windows Management Instrumentation Driver Extension |
Retrieves Windows Management
Instrumentation information from removable devices. Accompanies WMI service. If
you use the previous one, activate this one too. |
M |
M |
M |
|
|
Windows Service Pack Installer |
Update
service Enables Windows update to finish up the post-reboot tasks. |
D |
D |
D |
|
|
Windows Time |
Date and time synchronization service for all machines on a network.
Neat idea although I never really found it that useful. |
A |
D |
D |
|
|
Wireless Zero Configuration |
Automatic configuration for 802.11 (b, g, and a) wireless network
devices. If you have one of those, use this service, otherwise disable
it. |
D |
D |
D |
|
|
WMI Performance Adapter |
Provides access to the performance library information
from WMI providers. Absolutely useless. |
D |
D |
D |
|
|
Workstation |
Service used in conjunction with Server service. Use this to connect
your computer to a remote computer. File and Print Sharing depends on
this service. Unless you have a standalone machine, leave this one on
Automatic. |
A |
A |
A |
|
|
World Wide Web Publishing Service |
Another
service not installed by default. Service to setup a local web server on
your machine.
|
D |
D |
D |
