make xp services leaner, cleaner!

Discussion in 'Computers and The Internet' started by sentient, Dec 18, 2006.

  1. sentient

    sentient Senior Member

    Messages:
    1,718
    Likes Received:
    1
    I decided to write this and explain to people that not everything running as default on your xp box is necessary. Quite a few services are not necessary but you need to check whether the machine you run requires them or not. If anyone has any more that could be added I would really like to know which services you close down and under what circumstances

    the sequence for turning off a service is always the same
    control panel - administrative tools - services - right click the service
    select properties - stop - then set startup to disabled


    For a start, suppose you run a fixed ip address with your isp or you operate behind a hardware firewall where you can allocate a fixed private ip address
    then switch off dhcp client

    A good one to switch off if you dont use a printer is the
    print spooler
    that can eat up huge amounts of processing time and causes a lot of problems

    To increase security, as long as you know your username and password then switch off fast user switching

    To stop windows asking if you want to send error reports back to microsoft
    switch off alerter

    If you dont use a wireless internet connection switch off
    wireless zero

    if you are running no remote services (where people log into your computer) switch off
    telnet

    If you dont use hot buttons switch off
    human interface device access

    switch off
    dns client access very few people need it and its a legacy device

    unless you operate a legacy network with dynamic data exchange components switch off network DDE and network dde ddsm

    if you dont operate a nat server from your xp box and dont rely on windows firewall then switch off firewall/internet connection sharing

    if you are on broadband and dont run VOIP or other telecoms software
    switch off
    telephony

    switch off routing and remote access unless you have remote clients dialling in via a modem

    To turn off DCOM but read this first (dont stop the dcom service)
    http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?kbid=825750



    .
     
  2. High Priest

    High Priest Member

    Messages:
    33
    Likes Received:
    0
    From what I've read, the benefits of disabling these things is negligible.

    In the worst case scenario if you REALLY need the RAM, you pretty much need to buy an upgrade anyway because it is such a small amount saved.

    There are a lot of statistics but I don't feel like digging forever to find them...
     
  3. sentient

    sentient Senior Member

    Messages:
    1,718
    Likes Received:
    1
    well if you think the benifits of disabling telnet are negligable - let me have your ip address - I could use another computer in my network
    Its not really about ram even in the case of the spooler which is un necessary
    thats about processor time
    you think what you want but most people who run efficient machinery do so on the same premise that programmers work on - small is beautiful. optimisation is a benifit
    Who said anything about saving ram?
    this is about security, conflicts, and processor time, I never even mentioned memory
     

Share This Page

  1. This site uses cookies to help personalise content, tailor your experience and to keep you logged in if you register.
    By continuing to use this site, you are consenting to our use of cookies.
    Dismiss Notice