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Don't get offended. This is shock therapy. It's good for you.
  technofile
Al Fasoldt's reviews and commentaries, continuously available online since 1983

Don't let autorunning programs take over your Windows PC


March 3, 2002


By Al Fasoldt
Copyright © 2002, Al Fasoldt
Copyright © 2002, The Post-Standard

   Last week I explained how Windows runs programs that start up automatically. This week I'll show you how to take control so that YOU decide what runs.
   The problem, as you probably already know from personal frustration, arises from the haphazard design of all versions of Microsoft Windows. Microsoft calls these versions of Windows, from Windows 95 to Windows XP, "operating systems," as if they were actually running the show. I'll gladly admit that the two latest versions, Windows 2000 and Windows XP, are a lot better than the old ones, but Microsoft has a long way to go. An operating system should not allow programs to sneak into your computer and run whenever they want to.
   The first defense against unwanted autorunning programs is to know that they exist. Read the first article in this series (at www.twcny.rr.com/technofile/texts/tec022402.html) as the first step in your wake-up call.
   The next step is to arm yourself. You need good utility software that will ferret out programs that hide away, waiting to run each time you boot up.
   There are many such programs. I recommend Startup Cop, a free program from PC Magazine. I've written a full article about Startup Cop, describing what it does. (Read it at www.twcny.rr.com/technofile/texts/tec091601.html.) You can download it directly using this link: ftp://ftp.zdnet.com/acq/downloads/pub/zd/PCMag/startcop.zip.
   Startup Cop is very helpful. But you need to do something else, too. You need to change your attitude.
   Don't get offended. This is shock therapy. It's good for you.
   You need to stop seeing the world of Windows software through innocent eyes. A lot of the people who make Windows programs have no couth. Many of these programmers aren't not out to make your life happier. They're thoughtless at best; devious at worst.
   This is not a reflection on Windows or Microsoft. It's just the way life is. Like it or not, we need to understand that people like that exist. BR>   This means you have to take back the responsibility for knowing what programs you install actually do. Windows won't do it for you. Startup Cop will help, but it can't replace a functioning human mind.
   Think of each software installation the same way you think about crossing a busy street. Be wary. Programs that come from large companies are not more trustworthy than programs that come from 14-year-olds.
   Look for documentation ("readme" text files, for example) before you install a program. Once the software is installed and running, look for help menus that might tell you how to configure the software. Sometimes you can keep programs from running automatically with a few clicks on a menu -- if you can find it.
   Look in the System Tray, where the clock sits, for any icons that represent programs you've installed. Try clicking those tray icons for help or configuration options. (Try both left clicks and right clicks.)
   And don't be afraid to get rid of programs that aren't behaving. Get used to the Control Panel; it's your friend. You'll find "Add/Remove Programs" there. Use it to get rid of anything you've installed.