u mean the services or the start up tab?

On the Startup tab you could safely disable them all- is this what you are referring to?. The computer would still function normally. However, if you have antivirus software installed, you would want that to start at boot-up, so keep that checked, and any other security options that need to be started when the computer boots. All the rest (like Office and printers) can either be started by you clicking on their icon when you need them, or will start up when called by the machine without you needing to do anything (Adobe Reader, Quicktime, iTunes). The startup list only determines what applications should be loaded into memory when you first boot. It doesn't stop anything working when it is invoked if you uncheck their box in msconfig - but if there is something you particularly want to start at boot - like a daily reminder or word for the day sort of thing, then keep that box checked. If you change your mind about something you can just go back in and check/uncheck. It will tell you that you need to restart the computer after you have been in the configuration utility, but you do not need to. When you do restart it will give you a further message, just tick the box to make it go away. ps if anyone reads this who is running an earlier Windows (98, ME, 95), the same advice does not apply - for you certain applications must be set to start at boot.