Dealing with Technology isn’t always about knowing every part of technology.  Technology changes almost daily, if you truly try and keep up with all the changes, you would never have a “real” life.  May times, technology is about knowing where to look to get the information you need. This mornings post is about just that situation. 

     All flavors (versions) of Windows have “services” that run in the background and basically control what the pc does.  Knowing what each service does and what each service is dependant on, is a valuable asset to any tech.  Additionally, many of the services that run probably don’t need to be, for most users, and the fewer services that you have running on your pc means the more “resources” your computer will have for those things you are using. 

          I could go thru and list all these services and take weeks to put the entire package together, however, there is someone who has already done just that.  If you visit Black Viper’s site (His real name is Charles) ( http://www.blackviper.com ), you will find (what I think is) one of the most complete listings of services which “Includes complete explanations of each service and advice on which services you can safely disable”.

     The configuration lists cover:

• Windows 7 RC1 Service Configurations
• Windows Vista Service Pack 2 Service Configurations
• Windows XP x64 (64-bit) Service Pack 2 Service Configurations 
• Windows XP x86 (32-bit) Service Pack 3 Service Configurations
• Windows 2000 Service Pack 4 Service Configurations

     In which he lists the operating system, all the services (including some that you may not even have on your machine), and a breakout of all services

• Display Name ~ How it displays in the Services Control Panel.
• Service Name ~ What name is used in the registry.
• DEFAULT Home ~ What Bill G. thinks should be running on Windows XP Home SP3.
• DEFAULT MCE 2005 ~ What Bill G. thinks should be running on Windows Media Center Edition 2005 SP3.
• DEFAULT Pro ~ What Bill G. thinks should be running on Windows XP Professional x86 SP3.
• DEFAULT Tablet PC 2005 ~ What Bill G. thinks should be running on Windows XP Tablet PC Edition 2005 SP3.
• "SAFE" Configuration ~ This is the configuration that 95% of the people will be able to use with little or no side effects. It will also minimize the amount of "errors" that is reported in the Event Viewer. This does not guarantee it will work for you, but if adjusting your services scares you, this configuration would be a good starting point.
• Tweaked Configuration ~ This is the power user setup. This setup is a system that connects through a network (such as a gateway / router) to the internet, provides file and print sharing resources and gaming enjoyment. Some things may not function with this setup. No passwords save. Its use is not for a computer with analog modems or some direct DSL/cable connections. Try the "Safe" Configuration first.
• Bare Bones Configuration ~ This is the super geek setup. This setup is a system that connects through a network (such as a gateway / router) to the internet with a static IP address. This system does not provide file and print sharing resources, nor have the ability to print. Its use is not for a computer with analog modems or many direct DSL/cable connections. You can use this configuration for extreme tweaking and testing purposes. Many things may not function with this setup. No passwords save. The Event Log will display "errors" of not being able to start certain services. Built in Windows CDR-RW functions may no longer work. Please do not ask, "How do I fix" questions while using this configuration. The answer will be "Use SAFE." This information’s intention is for my reference only.

     In addition to the information the Windows services and different configurations you can set up, BV also has a section that covers Windows installs (with screenshots).  So if you have never installed Windows and would like to see what it takes to install you can look at those guides.

     Considering this is the site for a fellow Geek, I will also point out that he has additional information and posting on various other things that I found interesting, and you may as well.