mandm1516

Hi, I have searched the archives but don't know what to search for. I'm running windows XP, my laptop has a pentium 4 chip and 256 RAM. It's pretty slow--I think a big problem is when I check my task manager, it's common to see CPU useage at 30-40%. I have a lot of programs running in the background that I just don't need--for example, I have an HP all in one printer at home. Right now there are probably 8-10 HP specific programs running and I'm at the office so I don't need/can't use them. ITunes has a couple of programs running, I don't have an IPod and rarely download music. So thee programs are nice to have when I want to use them, but would like to set up my system so they don't come on automatically (use them only when I want them). Is there a way to set my computer up so I can choose which programs start automatically and which programs I can start only when I want them? Thanks for your help. Mike