Alerter - Administrative alerts. If you're part of a network that sends and receives administrative alerts this service should be on.
Automatic Updates - Windows update program. You can download updates at microsoft.com instead of using automatic updates.
Background Intelligent Transfer Service - Transfer files in background during idle Windows Update, and MSN Explorer unable auto download programs/info if stopped.
(ClipBook) Server - Inefficient way of sharing information. Not used.
Computer Browser - Required for LAN, or a computer as master browser. Keeps track of your computers on the network.
Distributed Link Tracking Client - IF you are part of a domain -and- use NTFS it has some value in keeping links across machines up to date.
Distributed Transaction Coordinator - Related to Distributed Link Tracking Client. Really serves no purpose for home user systems.
DNS Client - Caches Domain Name System (DNS) names for computer. If disabled, the system will simply go upstream to resolve DNS names.
Error Reporting Service - Runs the box that pops up wanting you to report an application error or system crash to Microsoft. Errors still display even when disabled.
Fast User Switching Compatibility Service - Supplies the 'Switch User' functionality associated with the logoff option, but not needed.
Fax Server - Send and recieve faxes - Needed with fax machine.
Help and Support - This connects to the online help via Microsoft available from the Help and Support option on the Start Menu.
IMAPI CD-Burning COM Service - If this service is stopped the computer will be unable to record CDs. No CD-ROM Burning? Shut it off.
MS Software Shadow Copy Provider - Related to using the Microsoft Backup Utility. If you dont use the MB Utility (not related to System Restore) it is not needed.
Volume Shadow Copy - Related to using the Microsoft Backup Utility.
Messenger - Not used anymore. Transmits net send and Alerter service messages between clients and servers. Not related to Windows Messenger.
Net Logon - Domain Authentication, used when you log into the Domain. No domain then no Net Logon needed.
NetMeeting Remote Desktop Sharing - Allows authorized remote access to your desktop using NetMeeting.
Network DDE - DDE connections mostly a relic now and not used. Related to this service is Clipbook.
Network DDE DSDM - Manage shared DDE conversations (\\computername\ndde$) Component of Network DDE and also related to Clipbook.
QoS RSVP - Supposedly provides a form of load balancing that shifts bandwidth between applications where it's most needed.
Remote Desktop Help Session Manager - Manages and controls Remote Assistance. If you're a Remote Desktop user, keep this enabled.
Removable Storage - Used for things like Zip Drives, Tape Drives, Graphics Pens.
Server - Provides basic file and print services on the LAN. No LAN? You do not need this.
Smart Card - If you do not have a Smart Card you do not need this.
Smart Card Helper - The same as Smart Card except this is for legacy cards that don't support Plug and Play.
SSDP Discovery Service - Enables discovery of UPnP devices on your home network. UPnP not the same thing as PnP devices. No network? This is not needed.
System Restore Service - Performs system restore functions. To stop this service, first turn off System Restore from the System Restore tab in My Computer->Properties. I would not recommend disabling this service as it can be very helpful. I disabled it because my System Restore was flawed.
Themes - Provides user experience Windows XP theme management. Removes most XP themes when turned off.
Upload Manager - Manages synchronous and asynchronous file transfers between clients and servers on the network. Interesting, but not needed.
Uninterruptible Power Supply - Manages an uninterruptible power supply (UPS) connected to the computer. Many USB connected UPS's do not need this.
WebClient - Makes it possible to use "web folders" and to browse the file systems of web servers within an Explorer window.
Wireless Zero Configuration - Auto configuration for wireless network devices. No wireless devices? Then disable the service.
NT LM Security Support Provider - Provides support for Telnet and Message Queuing.
This information was wrote by me, and found through various websites. Do not COPY to be used for anything but personal use without my permission to do so.
