Turn off these services

Alerter (Disable)
You only need this if you are on a network.

Application Layer Gateway Service (Disable)
Do you want to share your internet connection? I don't. If you do but a $50 router.

Automatic Updates (Disable)
Disable if you can remember to update it manually.

Background Intelligent Transfer Service (Disable)
Disable unless you need automatic updates. Big security risk.

ClipBook Viewer (Disable)
Do I want to copy information, and make it available for remote users to access? No I don't. There may be software that requires this to run, but until this point I have found no use for it.

Computer Browser (Judge yourself)
Are you on a network? I'm not. If you share files leave it on, and if you are on a network leave it on. Otherwise disable it.

Cryptographic Services (Disable)
Are you managing network certificates? I'm not. Unless your on some corporate network disable it.

Distributed Link Tracking Client (Disable)
Link tracking on your computer will not function; users on other computers will be unable to track links on your machine.

Distributed Transaction Coordinator (Disable)
Very few single PC users use this. If you are accessing files on networks leave it on. If not, disable it.

DNS Client (Enable)
Typically good to leave this one on.

Error Reporting Service (Disable)
I dont want to report errors. Do you?

Event Log (Enable)
An advanced user tool. You should probably leave it enabled. If you know anything about computers its a good tool, and if not the tech guy you bring your computer to will want it.

Fast User Switching Compatibility (Disable)
Disable it. No need for it.

Help and Support (Disable)
Honestly if you can google disable it.

IMAPI CD-Burning COM Service (Enable)
Do you burn CD's, or DVD's? If so leave this enabled.

Indexing Service (Disable)
Indexing... I do not like it. I have never seen a real performance boost due to this. It boots up a LOT faster with it off. Just turn it off. Really it doesn't help a bit.

Internet Connection Firewall (ICF) / Internet Connection Sharing (Disable)
Do you have a home network? If not disable it.

Logical Disk Manager (Disable)
Adding a new hard drive? If you arent disable this.

Messenger (Disable)
Disable it. No need for it.

Network Connections (Enable)
Leave it on unless you dont want to have any internet.

Net Logon (Disable)
Unless your in a domain disable it.

NetMeeting Remote Desktop Sharing (Disable)
You really want to share your desktop over a network connection? Better software for doing this. Disable it.

Performance Logs and Alerts (Disable)

Plug and Play (Enable)
You run the risk of the system becoming unstable if you disable this service.

Potable Media Serial Number (Enable)
With the proliferation of these types of devices, enable this service. If however, you do not attach such devices to your machine, you can safely disable this service.

Print Spooler (Enable)
If you disable this service you will be unable to run a printer.

Protected Storage (Enable)
Provides protected storage for sensitive data, such as private keys, to prevent access by unauthorized services, processes, or users.

QoS RSVP (Disable)
Enable this service only if you use QoS programs.

Remote Access Auto Connection Manager (Enable)
Creates a connection to a remote network whenever a program references a remote DNS or NetBIOS name or address.

Remote Access Connection Manager (Enable)
This service creates a network connection.

Remote Desktop Help Session Manager (Disable)
Still want to share that desktop with the rest of the world? I dont. Disable it.

Remote Procedure Call (Judge yourself)
This one to be on the safe side I would enable. You probably do not know if you use the RPC service in your network. Due to this I would say enable it. I am not using it, so I turned it off, but


Remote Procedure Call (RPC) Locator (Enable)
Manages the RPC name service database, which is similar to DNS services for IP.

Remote Registry (Disable)
Enables remote users to modify registry settings on this computer. Be sure to disable this service unless it is absolutely required.

Removable Storage (Enable)
Manages removable media including automated removable media devices.

Secondary Logon (Disable)
Enables starting processes under alternate credentials.

Server (Disable)
Unless you share files or local resources be sure to disable this service.

SSDP Discovery (Disable)
Big security risk. Unless you have a network disable it.

System Restore Service (You choose)
It doesn't magically make everything better. I would disable it.

Task Scheduler (Disable)
Used for scheduling tasks

Telephony (Enable)
Leave it on if you want internet or faxs.

Telnet (Disable)
Allows remote users to access my computer. I dont want to. Disable it.

Terminal Services (Disable)
Another thing to share my desktop? Why so many? Disable it

Themes (Disable)
You want that eye candy on your desktop? Big resource hog. Turn it off unless you cant stand a grey taskbar, and a few less eye candys.

Uninterruptible Power Supply (Disable)
You have an Uninterruptible Power Supply? If not disable.

Universal plug and Play Device Host (Disable)
Not needed on standalone systems.

Upload Manager (Disable)
If you arent sharing files disable it.

Windows Image Acquisition (Enable)
Provides image acquisition services for scanners and cameras.

Windows Installer (Enable)
Leave it on or no installing.

Windows Time (Disable)
Network? Keep it on if you are. If not disable it. This is not the time in the right hand corner of your desktop. That will not be effected.

Wireless Zero Configuration (You choose)
802.11 adapter? If so leave it on.

Workstation (Disable)
If you arent sharing files disable it.