background programs

[Pattikens]

Will turning off background programs help my computer run faster? If so, how do I turn them off? thanks

[Karthik]

This will help:

http://support.hp.com/us-en/document/c03340676

[Pattikens]

I have windows 7, not windows 8. thanks. Patty

[Karthik]

Yes, I read that but the process are same.

[Pattikens]

I don't know specifically which programs. I want to speed up the computer and I was told to close out unnecessary programs running in the background. Can you help?

[Dragon-Fur]

Patty,

The document presented vyf Karthik does include a great deal of information -- and most of it is indeed relevant to any recent version of Windows, including your Windows 7.

Way down in the information is a linked document that contains a table of "do not touch" programs and services.  Check at the end of the file under section:

Software programs that start automatically and what they do

Commentary

The truth is that every computer is different -- aside from the basic programs, you might be running stuff on your computer that I would consider unwanted. 

For example,

• I am not a personal fan of Chrome -- lots of people in the world cannot live without the Chrome browser.   Is Chrome superior to what I use?  Perhaps, but it is a personal choice.
• I choose to run some rather heavy duty security software, more than one type, and the programs take a toll on my system performance sometimes -- lots of people in the world run something else entirely.  Is my perceived sense of safety worth the hit on system performance?  Yes - personal opinion - I am willing to take the performance hit.

You need to do some homework of your own and decide what is best for your system based on what you need (do not touch list) and what you want (favorite email, favorite browser, favorite web sites or games).

Keep in mind that much of what can be done is limited by what your computer can actually support.  That is, your computer's performance is limited by its specifications.   

For example,

• The network card in that system is rated for 10/100 Ethernet LAN  - adequate but not fast.   
  The hard drive is rated 640GB 5400RPM - adequate but not fast.
• Windows 7 is a resource hog - adequate, loved by millions of people, and not fast.

In general,

Clean the usual files, folders, and keep the system "clean and tidy"

HP PCs - Resolving Slow System Performance (Windows 😎

First Section

This is a list of common causes of slow system performance:

• Temporary files, cookies, un-cleared recycle bin that cause less disk space
• No free disk space or disk errors
• Applications that require more system resource
• Running more than one task at a time can cause the system to slow down
• Nonessential graphic features
• Not enough memory
• The computer overheating due to intensive graphic applications or dust in vent
• Running anti-virus scan, while other software or an apps also run in the background

Check the "do not touch list"

HP PCs - Preventing Software Programs from Opening When Windows Starts (Windows 😎

Table:

Startup program	What the program does
Adobe Acrobat	Communicate with PDF files, make them reusable and editable.
Alps Pointing Device Driver	The driver that controls the touch pad on the PC. Should not be disabled if you want to use the touch pad.
AMD External Events services	service provides hotkey access to various ATI features, not essential for Windows operation
Andrea filters APO access service	Used by SoundMAX for microphone processing.
Bluetooth Headset Skype Proxy	Allows programs to connect to Bluetooth headset.
Bluetooth Stack COM Server	Used by computer to communicate with Bluetooth devices.
Bluetooth Support Server	Used for Bluetooth devices on your computer.
Bluetooth software Tray Application	Allows connection of Bluetooth enabled wireless devices such as computers, phones, printers, headsets, speakers, and cameras.
Bonjour Service	used to find printers and file-sharing, iTunes uses Bonjour to find shared music, iPhoto to find shared photos
Caps Lock | Num Lock | Scroll Lock State	Monitors status of lock keys on keyboard.
Catalyst Control Center	Device driver and utility software package for the ATI line of video cards.
Client Server Runtime Process	Used by the Windows operating system. Do not disable.
COM Surrogate	Component Object Model. Technology used in Windows development for creating objects and accessing programs
CyberLink Media Library Service	Manages the media libraries.
CyberLink PowerCinema Resident Program	Used by HP Power Cinema.
Desktop Window Manager	Used by Windows 7 for graphical displays.
DT_Startup	Enhances the display's color and visual appeal.
Fast User	Allows switching between user accounts without logging off.
HD Audio Control Panel	Provides the computer with high-definition audio. To avoid sound problems, do not prevent from starting.
Host Process for Windows Services Services Host	Windows process that hosts services needed to perform various functions.
HP Advisor	Instrumental in keeping the computer protected from viruses and corruption.
HP Beats	Hear the bass, the detail, and the dynamics of the music with Beats Audio.
Hewlett-Packard Company KBD EXE	Multimedia keyboard manager. One-touch keys do not work without this enabled, but the rest of the keyboard works.
HPConnectedRemoteServices/User	HP remote Cloud storage application
HP Connections Remove	Provides notices, support updates, tips, and special offers. It is safe to prevent from starting.
HP.CPC.TS	TouchSmart software. Provides two-touch information to the TouchSmart software applications. Can be disabled if not using HP TouchSmart.
HP.CPC.TS.S	TouchSmart software. Provides two-touch information to the TouchSmart software applications. Can be disabled if not using HP TouchSmart.
hpwuSchd Application	Allows the computer to automatically receive software update notifications from HP over the Internet. It is safe to prevent from starting, but it can be helpful in maintaining the latest software and drivers for your computer.
HP MediaSmart	Used to open the MediaSmart program from keyboards and remote controls. Do not disable this program.
HP Power Assistant	Helps reduce power consumption by managing your PC usage with weekday and weekend settings.
HP Support Assistant Service	Resolve problems with automated troubleshooting, tune-ups, and technical content
HP Quick Launch Buttons	Enables buttons on the keyboard to perform other functions.
HPRun.exe	Opens HP Total Care Advisor. If you want Advisor to run, do not prevent this program from starting.
hpsysdrv	Keeps track of system recoveries. Do not disable.
HP Total Care Advisor	Instrumental in keeping the computer protected from viruses and corruption.
HP TouchSmart Calendar	TouchSmart Calendar program that allows the user to set up reminder notifications for events. It controls the Reminder LED on the computer. It can be disabled if you are not using HP TouchSmart.
HP TouchSmart Calendar & Notes	TouchSmart software that works along with GCalService and accesses user data files. Can be disabled if not using HP TouchSmart.
Wireless Assistant	Manages the wireless capabilities of the PC.
IDT PC Audio	It is an integrated audio sound module, if turned off the sound might not work.
Input Personalization Server	For use with Tablet PCs for handwriting recognition and conversion to text.
Intel Common User Interface	Required for graphics drivers. Do not disable this program.
Java™ Platform SE Binary	Checks for Java updates.
Keyboard and Mouse Battery Volume Detection	Application software for the keyboard set. Displays message when battery level is low.
LightScribe	Burn CD labels with LightScribe.
Local Security Authority Process	Authenticates user logons. Do not disable this program.
Local Session Manager Service	Manages terminal server connections. Do not disable this program.
Microsoft Forefront Identity Manager 2010	Increases security with management across identities, credentials and resources.
Microsoft Security Client	Part of Microsoft's security program with Microsoft Security Essentials.
Microsoft Software Licensing Services	Protects software programs from copyright infringement. Do not disable this programs.
Microsoft Userinit Logon Application	Used by the Windows Operating System for network connections and starting Windows. Do not disable this program.
Microsoft Tablet PC Input Component	Tablet PC software for pen input device.
Microsoft Windows Explorer, or Windows Explorer	User interface for the operating system. Provides access to programs and files on the computer. Do not disable this program.
Microsoft Windows Search Indexer	Indexes file contents and properties for searching purposes.
Norton Online Backup	Activates Norton on-line backup
NT Kernel & System	Default system counter. Do not disable this program, it is used by Windows.
NVIDIA Compatible Windows 2000	Needed for optimum graphics.
NVIDIA Driver Helper Service	Needed for optimum graphics.
NVIDIA Media Center Library	Needed for optimum graphics.
OSD	Controls the on-screen display when adjusting audio volume and LCD panel brightness level. This program cannot be disabled, but it can be uninstalled.
OsdMaestro main program	Provides an interface to configure on-screen display settings
OSD Form	Used for on-screen display.
Percentage of time the processor is idle	Counter that measures CPU idle time at any particular time.
PictureMover Application	Automatically uploads pictures from digital cameras or memory cards that are connected to the computer.
PresentationFontCache	External fonts, not necessary to operate Windows
RAID Event Monitor	Depending on how you configure it, RAID helps optimize the performance of the computer. It has facilities to partition and back up data.
Services and Controller app	Services control manager is responsible for starting, stopping and interacting with system services. Do not disable this program.
Services Host: Local Services There might be many of these services running	manages system services that run from dynamic link libraries and should not be disabled
SMax4PNP	Used for analog audio devices.
SoundMAX Audio Settings	Installs the graphical user interface for controlling the audio settings. Do not disable this program.
Spooler SubSystem App	Windows Print Spooler service for all fax and print jobs.
Symantec Core Component	Antivirus software. Disabling virus-scanning software is not recommended except for computers that are isolated from any software input (including the Internet, a network, CDs, memory cards, etc.).
Symantec Security Technologies Symantec Application	Antivirus software. Disabling virus-scanning software is not recommended except for computers that are isolated from any software input (including the Internet, a network, CDs, memory cards, etc.).
Symantec Service Framework	Displays user interface for antivirus software.
Symantec Shared Component	Part of the suite of antivirus software programs. Disabling virus-scanning software is not recommended except for computers that are isolated from any software input (including the Internet, a network, CDs, memory cards, etc.).
SymCUW	Antivirus software. Disabling virus-scanning software is not recommended except for computers that are isolated from any software input (including the Internet, a network, CDs, memory cards, etc.).
Synaptics Pointing Device Driver	Allows you to add advanced features to your laptop's pad: sensibility, tapping speed, etc.
System interrupts	Signals to the processor that an event needs immediate attention. Not visible and may be disabled for troubleshooting purposes
Tablet PC Input Panel Accessory	Handwriting recognition personalization tool for Tablet PCs.
Tablet PC Input Panel Helper	Controls the on-screen keyboard.
Task Scheduler Engine	Responsible for running certain processes at predefined times.
Windows Audio Device Graph	Hosts audio engine for Windows 7.
Windows Driver Foundation	Part of the Windows Operating System
Windows host process (Rundll32)	Command line utility program; runs dlls. Do not disable this program.
Windows Logon Application	Sets parental controls on your computer.
Windows Media Player Network	Media sharing over a network, nonessential for Windows operation
Windows Session Manager	Session manager subsystem that starts, manages, and deletes user sessions. Do not disable this program.
Windows Startup Application	Starts some of the core Windows 7 background services. Do not disable this program.
Windows Task Manager	Launches Windows Task Manager. Do not disable this program.
WMI Provider Host	Windows Management Instrumentation is used to develop applications for monitoring computer activity.

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