A few dumb Computer Questions
 

Does anyone know how I can get things like the search engines to stop recording everything that I enter...it's annoying.

Also, Do you know where I can change which programs are initialized at start-up b/c I really don't need realplayer, quicktime, windows messager and the like everytime I jump on the comp...it just makes it take longer to start up.

Lastly, do you know how I can make my icons on xp have a clear background...dumb questions I know, but I can change that setting on other peoples computer, but doing the same thing on my computer is doing nothing.

First off, you need to download a spyware blocker and killer such ad Ad-Aware or SpyBot Search and Destroy.

I recommend this site for checking what needs to be removed at startup: http://www.pacs-portal.co.uk/startup_content.php . Very detailed tutorial on how to get rid of those pesky memory-resident programs in the start menu.

To control what programs start at start-up:

Go to Start -> Settings -> Taskbar and Start Menu
Click on the Start Menu tab
Click the Customize button
Click Advanced

You should be at your Start Menu folder for your user account. Open your Startup folder (it should be under Programs). Clear out shortcuts to anything you don't want running at startup.

You may also need to look under the Start Menu folder for All Users.

For the spyware, I recommend Ad-Aware.

I use to use ad-aware until they started charging for it. Microsoft just came up with a free Beta version of spyware protection. Do a search on google and you'll find it.


To stop search engines from completing your searches. In your Internet Explorer browser page go to Tools -> Internet Options -> Content -> Auto Complete and uncheck the boxes.

Also if going to your start menu doesnt show all the programs that pop up at start up if you right click on the icons on the bottom of your screen and go to the options they should have an option that says "dont open at start up" or something to that effect.