Do I have too much installed? (XP question)

[rubyrod]

HI All,
Just looking for a little advice on trimming down the amount of installed applications on my old 120gb hard drive.  I am just not objective enough to see where I  might be running redundant or unnecessary programs.  I think I as least periodically use everything installed but am not sure if I might get some sort of performance increase by limiting the amount of installed apps.  I am running XP Pro sp2 with the drive partitioned into c: 80gb (around 20gb of free space) and d: 40gb with d: primarily being used as a ghost image drive.  I have a gig of ram so I think that I should be good there.  I am however using a number of shells (always running in the background) for my desktop and overall look/interface which must put some strain on the little wonder.

Do I have too much installed or is there only real benefit from installing a larger drive?

Current Install List:
1400Trb
1400_Help
1400
3DMark03
Active Virus Shield
Ad-Aware SE Personal
Adobe Acrobat 5.0
Adobe Download Manager 2.0 (Remove Only)
Adobe Illustrator 9.0
Adobe Photoshop 6.0
Adobe Product/Adobe Studio Update 10/2001
Adobe Reader 7.0.8
Adobe Reader Japanese Fonts
AiOSoftware
AiO_Scan
AutoUpdate
Azureus
BookWorm Deluxe 1.01
Bookworm Deluxe
BufferChm
CCleaner (remove only)
Click'N Design 3D for AfterBurner(tm) (V5)
CpuIdle (remove only)
CP_Package_Variety1
CP_Package_Variety2
CP_Package_Variety3
CursorXP
Destinations
DeviceManagementQFolder
Direct Show Ogg Vorbis Filter (remove only)
DivX
DocProc
Empty Temp Folders 2.8.3
eSupportQFolder
EVEREST Home Edition v2.20
Fax
GdiplusUpgrade
HP Image Zone Express
HP Imaging Device Functions 5.3
HP PSC & OfficeJet 5.3.B
HP Software Update
HP Solution Center & Imaging Support Tools 5.3
HPProductAssistant
IconPackager
Intel Application Accelerator
Intel(R) 82845G Graphics Driver Software
J2SE Runtime Environment 5.0 Update 6
LimeWire 4.12.6
LiveReg (Symantec Corporation)
LiveUpdate 1.80 (Symantec Corporation)
Logitech iTouch Software
Logitech MouseWare 9.79
LogonStudio
Macromedia Contribute 3.11
Macromedia Dreamweaver 8
Macromedia Extension Manager
Macromedia Fireworks 8
Macromedia Flash 8 Video Encoder
Macromedia Flash 8
Macromedia Flash Player 8 Plugin
Macromedia Flash Player 8
Macromedia HomeSite+
Macromedia Shockwave Player
Microsoft .NET Framework 1.1 Hotfix (KB886903)
Microsoft .NET Framework 1.1
Microsoft .NET Framework 2.0
Microsoft Bootvis
Microsoft Calculator Plus
Microsoft Office Sounds
Microsoft Office XP Professional with FrontPage
Mozilla Firefox (2.0)
Mozilla Thunderbird (1.5.0.7)
MSXML 4.0 SP2 (KB925672)
NewCopy
No One Lives Forever
Norton Ghost
Norton WMI Update
NVIDIA Drivers
NVTweak
O&O Defrag Professional Edition
ObjectDock Plus
PeerGuardian 2.0
PowerDVD
PowerISO
ProductContext
QuickTime
Readme
RealPlayer
Realtek AC'97 Audio
REALTEK GbE & FE Ethernet PCI NIC Driver
Registry Mechanic 5.2
RivaTuner v2.0 RC 16
Roxio CinePlayer
Roxio Creator 8 Suite Home
Roxio Easy Media Creator 8 Content
Roxio Easy Media Creator 8 Suite
Roxio RecordNow Audio
Roxio RecordNow Copy
Roxio RecordNow Data
Roxio RecordNow Tools
RTLSetup
ScannerCopy
Scan
Security Task Manager 1.6f
Security Update for Windows XP (KB917422)
Security Update for Windows XP (KB918899)
Security Update for Windows XP (KB919007)
Security Update for Windows XP (KB920214)
Security Update for Windows XP (KB920670)
Security Update for Windows XP (KB920683)
Security Update for Windows XP (KB920685)
Security Update for Windows XP (KB921398)
Security Update for Windows XP (KB921883)
Security Update for Windows XP (KB922616)
Security Update for Windows XP (KB922819)
Security Update for Windows XP (KB923191)
Security Update for Windows XP (KB923414)
Security Update for Windows XP (KB924191)
Security Update for Windows XP (KB924496)
Security Update for Windows XP (KB925486)
SiSoftware Sandra Lite 2007.SP1 (Win64/32/CE)
SkinStudio
SodaBush Windowpaper XP v1.01
SolutionCenter
Sonic Backup MyPC
Sonic DVD Info Pro
SpeedFan (remove only)
Spybot - Search & Destroy 1.4
SpywareBlaster v3.5.1
Status
Symantec Network Drivers Update
The Battle for Middle-earth (tm) II
TopStyle Lite (Version 3.0)
TrayApp
Unload
Update for Windows XP (KB920872)
Update for Windows XP (KB922582)
WebFldrs XP
WebReg
WindowBlinds
WindowFX
Windows Defender Signatures
Windows Genuine Advantage Notifications (KB905474)
Windows Installer Clean Up
Windows Media Encoder 9 Series
Windows Media Format Runtime
Windows Media Player 10
Windows Rights Management Client Backwards Compatibility
Windows Rights Management Client
Windows XP Service Pack 2
WinRAR archiver
WinStyles
Wolfenstein - Enemy Territory
xp-AntiSpy 3.96-2
XPC Tools
ZoneAlarm

[hydran]

installed apps arent necessarily a problem, its the stuff that is active in the system that would slow performance, check this by pressing CTRL ALT DEL and looking thought the active processes, also take a look at how many little icons load up next to the clock in the bottom right of the screen.

[rubyrod]

Thx Hydran,

Yeah, I do try to keep a pretty close watch on whats running in the background as much as possible (about 37 items right now with Firefox and task manager included) using C+A+D and also sometimes using the free version of the Security Task Manager program.  I have also trimmed the start programs and services down to the minimum necessary.  I've shortened some response times in the registry for "snappierness".  I keep my HD defragged using the "for speed" mode in OO.

A lot of times though, I wonder if I could improve the seek and write times by having less crap to look through.  I am just really wondering about any redundancies or unnecessary or just plain garbage items in the list.

PS - is 37 items running in the background more than normal?

[hydran]

the way I understand it, having "crap to look through" doesnt really matter with hard disks, because everything is referenced in the FAT.  Fragmentation is always an issue, and there is an argument that having fewer files

I have 43 processes running on my laptop inc. firefox (3gig mobile P4 with 768 megs RAM), and it is zipping along.  I use AVG Free, yahoo widgets (for laughs) and also have Ghost, Quicktime and Nokia Suite running in the taskbar.  Your particular processes might be hungrier than mine, however...  Whatever these "shells" are to improve looks, they are likely to be the cause.

A good experiment is to disable any of those and ALSO optimise the computer for performance using the SYSTEM properties. (SYSTEM control panel -> ADVANCED -> Performance settings -> VISUAL EFFECTS -> ADJUST FOR BEST PERFORMANCE).

Your computer will now look like Win 2000, but will be a hell of a lot quicker.  You can start turning back on the effects that you like using, or go back to "let windows chose", then start removing unnecessary ones in order to speed up the response.

For the record, I use the following:
-Show shadows under menus
-Show shadows under mouse pointer
-Show translucent selection rectangle
-Show window contents while dragging
-Smooth-scroll list boxes
-Use background image for each folder type
-Use common tasks in folders
-Use drop shadows for icon labels on the desktop
-Use visual style on windows and buttons

[rubyrod]

OOOhhhh, is that ugly! Ha Ha :-P

Yeah, I am not a fan of the 2K look at all.  Need my aesthetics and all. I am using the Stardock ObjectDesktop suite (old version) and yes it does use resources up.
Oh well, its not like I'm running extremely low spec or anything anyway and it's not crawling along so I'll live but thanks for all of the info, suggestions and help.
All of your posts have been extremely helpful for me so double thanks    :-)

[hydran]

a happy customer...  

Out of interest with ObjectDesktop turned off and with the 2k look, how much faster was your computer?

[rubyrod]

TBH, I didn't leave it long enough to make a quantifiable analysis.  The few programs I opened did seem to snap right to and close just as quick. Didn't have so much of a refresh issue when opening and closing WF:ET (definite benefit) but that might be related to the old GF card I'm using (5900xt bios flashed).  
Yes, I guess overall it felt quicker for general jumping around between folders, apps and items, clicking here and there; but I'll have to give it another go later on tonight more thoroughly to see if the benefits outweigh the ugly interface factor for me.

[hydran]

there is a mid-point (like my settings) where the thing still looks like XP, but doesnt get bogged down with all the visual styles, try different settings to find a balance between looks and performance.

[x586]

I'd start off by backing up my data and reloading the system, and when I reloaded I would not load the stuff on the list below.

1400Trb
1400_Help
1400
3DMark03
Active Virus Shield
Adobe Download Manager 2.0 (Remove Only)
Adobe Reader 7.0.8
Adobe Reader Japanese Fonts
AutoUpdate
Azureus
Bookworm Deluxe
BufferChm
CP_Package_Variety1
CP_Package_Variety2
CP_Package_Variety3
CursorXP
Destinations
DeviceManagementQFolder
Direct Show Ogg Vorbis Filter (remove only)
DivX
DocProc
Empty Temp Folders 2.8.3
eSupportQFolder
GdiplusUpgrade
HP Image Zone Express
HP Imaging Device Functions 5.3
HP PSC & OfficeJet 5.3.B
HP Software Update
HP Solution Center & Imaging Support Tools 5.3
HPProductAssistant
IconPackager
LimeWire 4.12.6
LiveReg (Symantec Corporation)
LiveUpdate 1.80 (Symantec Corporation)
Logitech iTouch Software
Logitech MouseWare 9.79
O&O Defrag Professional Edition
QuickTime
Readme
RealPlayer
Registry Mechanic 5.2
RivaTuner v2.0 RC 16
Roxio CinePlayer
Roxio Creator 8 Suite Home
Roxio Easy Media Creator 8 Content
Roxio Easy Media Creator 8 Suite
Roxio RecordNow Audio
Roxio RecordNow Copy
Roxio RecordNow Data
Roxio RecordNow Tools
SolutionCenter
Sonic Backup MyPC
Sonic DVD Info Pro
SpeedFan (remove only)
TrayApp
WebReg
WindowBlinds
WindowFX
Windows Defender Signatures
Windows Genuine Advantage Notifications (KB905474)
Windows Installer Clean Up
WinStyles
xp-AntiSpy 3.96-2
XPC Tools
ZoneAlarm

A few of those I would replace with differant software, but mostly I'd just get rid of them acrobat 5 and acrobat reader 7, if you have the full version of 5 you don't need the half version 7, multiple crappy cd/dvd burning packages gone, limewire oui, hp came with it free junk you already have better.

[rubyrod]

I'd start off by backing up my data and reloading the system, and when I reloaded I would not load the stuff on the list below.

1400Trb
1400_Help
1400
3DMark03
Active Virus Shield
Adobe Download Manager 2.0 (Remove Only)
Adobe Reader 7.0.8
Adobe Reader Japanese Fonts
AutoUpdate
Azureus
Bookworm Deluxe
BufferChm
CP_Package_Variety1
CP_Package_Variety2
CP_Package_Variety3
CursorXP
Destinations
DeviceManagementQFolder
Direct Show Ogg Vorbis Filter (remove only)
DivX
DocProc
Empty Temp Folders 2.8.3
eSupportQFolder
GdiplusUpgrade
HP Image Zone Express
HP Imaging Device Functions 5.3
HP PSC & OfficeJet 5.3.B
HP Software Update
HP Solution Center & Imaging Support Tools 5.3
HPProductAssistant
IconPackager
LimeWire 4.12.6
LiveReg (Symantec Corporation)
LiveUpdate 1.80 (Symantec Corporation)
Logitech iTouch Software
Logitech MouseWare 9.79
O&O Defrag Professional Edition
QuickTime
Readme
RealPlayer
Registry Mechanic 5.2
RivaTuner v2.0 RC 16
Roxio CinePlayer
Roxio Creator 8 Suite Home
Roxio Easy Media Creator 8 Content
Roxio Easy Media Creator 8 Suite
Roxio RecordNow Audio
Roxio RecordNow Copy
Roxio RecordNow Data
Roxio RecordNow Tools
SolutionCenter
Sonic Backup MyPC
Sonic DVD Info Pro
SpeedFan (remove only)
TrayApp
WebReg
WindowBlinds
WindowFX
Windows Defender Signatures
Windows Genuine Advantage Notifications (KB905474)
Windows Installer Clean Up
WinStyles
xp-AntiSpy 3.96-2
XPC Tools
ZoneAlarm

A few of those I would replace with differant software, but mostly I'd just get rid of them acrobat 5 and acrobat reader 7, if you have the full version of 5 you don't need the half version 7, multiple crappy cd/dvd burning packages gone, limewire oui, hp came with it free junk you already have better.

Hi x586,
Just got in the house and saw your post, thanks for the response.  Sorry to have quoted the whole thing but I couldn't remember my own list without it.   %-P
Some of what you said makes perfect sense but I am wondering about just a few things; should I remove my antivirus ("Active Virus Shield" - real Kapersky by another name) and ZoneAlarm (or is the XP firewall ok)?  
Also, don't you think that either the speedfan or the XPC tools should stay, no?  It is a Shuttle and we all worry about fan noise and heat.
The Roxio came as a complete package from work for free but I'm open to better alternatives (I do have a spare Nero 6 that came with my CR40 burner if thats better).  
True, the HP junk came with the scanner/printer so I just installed for lack of trying to figure out how to use XP scan/print functionality but I can surely pick that up.
The defrag app I assume I can install when necessary (as it is better performing than the normal WinXP defrag utility).
And what apps do I use when I want to "sample-test" music or "large files" before I buy them? (see Azureus, Limewire) :red:

Any suggestions on alternate software would definitely be welcome as I may be a little out of touch in terms of other quality choices.  

Cheers

[MrbLOB9000]

I'm not sure why x586 picked those out of a hat to say don't install, but most of those seem fine...

[x586]

As to the active shield I was thinking mcaffee, but kapersky is fine. I don't like zone alarm, but if your happy with it it is better then the xp firewall. kapersky has an anti-virus firewall package don't they ? XPCTools and speedstep are cpu throttling and overclocking etc...and if your happy with them or need them so be it. I just perfer to set (it the bios) and forget it. The differance between 1 defrag and another doesn't make much differance. I take a stripped down version of nero over 'roxio ultra super deluxe new.new' any day. µtorrent or azureus if you must and hit www.free-codecs.com for your codec needs.

I didn't pick them out of a hat, I picked them because thats what he asked someone to do. They are duplicated or junk or useless toys.

[rubyrod]

Thanks for the input there, all.   :cheese:
I'll take all of the advice as a mixed bag of personal tastes and good suggestions.  I think that I'll rightly remove some of the items suggested by x586 (possibly trying some alternatives but maybe just remove em till I think I need them), leave some that I am comfortable with ("non threatening" to me in any way as mrbLOB inferred).  And I will play with my different performance and visual settings a little more like hydran had previously suggested and see if the combination of spring cleaning and fine tuning will achieve that easy feeling that I am looking for inside without sacrificing too many of the playful aesthetics I enjoy.

[MrbLOB9000]

if you are goin to reinstall windows, don't install ALL the apps at once.  Install them as you go as you need them, that way if something slows things down or creates an issue you'd be more likely to catch which program it is that's doing it.

[Maturin]

A couple of programs that I am a fan of are CDBurnerXP pro for cd burning, and BBlean for a desktop shell. Now, BBlean is not a skin like windowblinds, it actually replaces the entire explorer shell and explorer.exe process. It takes a bit of getting used to, but after some configuring I like it much better than the desktop shell.

Also, did you upgrade to the new version of Firefox? I think they fixed a memory leak that was causing the program to use way too much resources sometimes.

[rubyrod]

A couple of programs that I am a fan of are CDBurnerXP pro for cd burning, and BBlean for a desktop shell. Now, BBlean is not a skin like windowblinds, it actually replaces the entire explorer shell and explorer.exe process. It takes a bit of getting used to, but after some configuring I like it much better than the desktop shell.

Also, did you upgrade to the new version of Firefox? I think they fixed a memory leak that was causing the program to use way too much resources sometimes.

I actually have wanted to change burning software for a little while now but my wife has been using the Roxio DVD creation to make DVDs of our daughter.  Its an easy for her all-frills program and she is not the most PC literate person I have met.  And since it uses proprietary formats when you create DVD templates, she won't let me remove it till we have something else to convert them to. If I can talk her into something else, I'm definitely jumping ship.  I already have to go in a few times and shut off all the "media database monitoring" that restarts every time you use the darn thing.

Yeah, I'm using Firefox v2.0 (not sure if its still RC or not) with updates and a few plugins: Flashgot, Foxy tunes, GMail manager and it looks like the new version installed something called Talkback which says it "sends information about program crashes to Mozilla".  I think I'll definitely be living without that extension.

I'll check out BBlean although I am just a little nervous about replacing the entire explorer. exe process given its the heart of the OS.

[Intuit]

I'm not sure why x586 picked those out of a hat to say don't install, but most of those seem fine...

For one, Sonic's software load filter drivers on the drives that have the potential to bring effective multi-tasking to a halt while burning.  The other apps including that one add a lot of CLSIDs and other entries to the registries that must be parsed quite often by the operating system.  The ending result is that it it can really slow a PC down... the smaller the registries, the notably faster it will be.  This is especially true for certain sections of the registry such as HKLM\Software\Classes which I believe is under the SOFTWARE hive.

My SOFTWARE hive file is only 16 megs while the SYSTEM hive is less than 7 megs.  Most peoplss' registries are at least 20 megs and I'm not sure about the SYSTEM hive, but guesstimate maybe around 10 megs.