I see 29 programs running when I hit ctrl/alt/delete. After booting up my resource avail is around 60%. At times I have seen it even lower. I believe there are about 34 items listed in the SYSTEM CONFIGURATION UTILITY. What is the best way to correct this as at time my box runns reaaaallly slow. Its a P3 @ 500 mhz w/128 ram.

Is using SELECTIVE STARTUP, unchecking the things not to be started & leaving it in this mode permenentaly the best option????

I would definately use msconfig (selective startup) to disable certain programs from starting up when the computer boots up. As far as the 29 items you see when you hit control--alt--delete, you can check out this website to see what they are, and determine if you need them to start up with the computer, it should help you out. Later.

www.blackviper.com

Throw in another memory stick to take you up to 256. ME Memory Management stinks... You need the extra RAM.

Vern
go to this site for information on startup programs and what you need there.
http://www.pacs-portal.co.uk/startup_content.htm
Jennifer has a good point about the RAM.
There is the possibility that you might have some spyware running as well. These will also slow things down.
To find out you can download AdAware here:
http://www.webattack.com/get/adaware.shtml
hth
shep

Extra ram will have zero affect on System Resources.

Whit
Maybe not, but it sure would enchance the overall performance of his system.
Vern
Whit is correct, the system resource number you see at my computer has nothing to do with the amount of RAM you have installed,
however I would think that 60% of 256 is an improvement.
It is quite common during heavy usage for the sys resource # to drop, this will happen with all operating systems.
I am of the opinion that more RAM is better.
I have a modest 384 ram with 94% at startup and while gaming and such the resource # will fall to the 20-30% range, not a problem.
hth
shep

sxshep, the amount of RAM (very small part) used by OS is the same for resources if you have 8MB or 4GB RAM.
"however I would think that 60% of 256 is an improvement."
But, if I'm wrong. Then please, someone correct me:)
I'll Try

No, you are correct.
If the resource percentage is 60% with 64MB, it will be 60% with 256MB.
But, the thing to note, which I think sxshep is missing (that you point out), resources are finite (the same size).
If you have a resource issue, as does this poster, the first thing to do is reduce the startups and get the percentage at boottime into the mid 80's.
THEN take a look and see whether more ram would help. If after this exercise there is still available memory (and/or a swapfile that has a low inuse), more memory will have a nominal affect.

WhitPhil, thanks for the backup on this. Right now I'm using 1536MB CAS2. Boy, it would be nice if it did make a difference in resources by adding RAM :)
And would have to agree with your post. Also, if things aren't getting unloaded from memory can cause problems with memory. I'm quite sure you understand this also.
I'll Try

Are you getting Ouf of Memory errors on your config?
If so, it is probably due to the file cache as opposed to resources.
Have you added a MaxFileCache parameter to keep it under 512MBs?

WhitPhil, if you are talking to me.
Your fist question. NO
Your second question. In two parts. YES and 512 NO ^
No memory errors, page errors, resource errors, ect. Working like a charm :-)
I'll Try

Hi:
Yes I was. From your post it sounded like you were having Resource issues.

If you do run into Out of Memory errors, the way to resolve them is to constrain vcache using MaxFileCache. These errors frequently occur on PCs with more than 512MBs installed.

WhitPhil, I believe it was Vern with the resource issue. But, thanks for the info:)

If you thought that by this: "Boy, it would be nice if it did make a difference in resources by adding RAM :)" I just meant with as much ram as I use in my computers I would never have to worry about resources. What am I saying. I don't have resource problems ;-) But, that comes from setting not from alot of ram.
Thanks again
I'll Try

For those that recomended adding RAM, that is my next step after getting the present problem ironed out. An additional 128 to make 256.
When I look at the programs listed as running in "ctrl/alt/delete" I hav identified all most all, & some ARE SPYWARE. But it is dificult to match these programs with the ones shown in selective startup. Example; PANPLUS = program for CYBERPWR UPS system.
Do I just start closing some in Selective Startup THEN going back to see the changes in C/A/D?

All right guys.
In my initial response I pointed Vern to the reduction of startup programs as a possible solution to performance issues, as well as the spyware issue.
My coments regarding additional RAM were mean't to address the overall performance situation. My "60%" line was obviously innapropriate as you have so well documented, as it does not effect the overall resource status.
I stand corrected, and enlightened.
I do however believe that the basic advise was sound as to the end result, a better, cleaner, more efficient machine.
shep

Forget about ctrl alt dlt.
Enter msconfig/use the pacs portal link left above to eliminate uneccesary items from start up.

Here are a few you should have checked. The rest can be unchecked. You may want to uncheck some of those i listed or keep some i havent listed checked but first consult pacs portal for advice.

ScanRegistry
Task Monitor
SysTray
*StateMgr
LoadPowerProfile-One instance not both.

"LoadPowerProfile-One instance not both"

Not sure why you say that. If you use logon profiles, you need both. If you don't use power management, you need neither.
Removing them from startup has no affect on resources because the programs start, do their thing and then terminate.

sxshep, "and enlightened" Was all I was trying to do. Yes, what you posted was sound advise. My opinion anyway.
Thanks for the post shep
I'll Try

WhitPhil, i say that because i saw it posted here several times in the past by several people, I pulled that out of a text file i keep :). I dont use power management and have them both unchecked. The only things i have checked are:
ScanRegistry
SysTray

I did not know what the two instances of LoadPowerProfile's roles were. I am of the opinion that power management isnt neccesary. Had i read the MSKB article offered at pacmans portal i would have known this behavior was by design and why two instances are present. Thank you for pointing it out.

I wasnt neccesarily offering the advice as help for freeing up resources just as a starting point for Vern who seemed confused about what can and should be disabled and the relationship between the items seen after ctrl/alt/dlt and those listed under msconfig's startup tab. My goal was to offer a list of common items that typical users have enabled.