With the Windows XP operating system makes a variety of services available. However, your computer does not actually need all the services.  In fact, if you quit the services that you do not use, your system performance will improve.

Use the Services Management Tool and turn off the various services in your Windows system.  This is a tool that will show the various services which are both inactive and active and where they are used.

You may find some vague information when you look at the various services.  This information will be helpful for you to gain an idea of what it does.  You will be able to change the startup type of the service in the Services Management toll to disabled, manual or automatic.   There will be services that are dependent upon one another.  For this reason you are not suppose to turn off the services found on the MSConfig.

To change the startup type of service do so by selecting the name or icon and then choosing “Properties” and select the startup type that you wish.  If you are switching a startup type to manual or automatic, it normally becomes disabled during the startup by default.  Select the icon or service name to monitor the effects of the service by right clicking and selecting “stop”.

Services which can be disabled safely

There are different services available for different Windows user types.  The Windows system will have to be accessed for most and must be functional and in good condition.  If, however, you do not use the system you can disable them in a safe manner.  Before performing any changes, familiarize yourself with the function by reading all the information provided.  Furthermore, if you happen to encounter a problem, go back to the basics.  Start with repairing the service.  If you are not familiar with a process do not change the startup process. 

Alerter:  This is an administrative service that controls the various administrative alerts in a specific network.  However, this service is rarely used.

Automatic Updates:  Without Background Intelligent Transfer Service, Cryptographics Service and Even Log, the automatic updates service needs to function.  The various updates work together.  This service is also used to install and download the different updates in Windows.  Do not disable the service if you feel that it is not useful for you.