Its often nice to do a little exploring. Finding what programs work best for us. However, many programs can become a burden to our startup time in Windows. Luckily there is a way to disable and enable certain applications that startup during login.

How do I disable startup programs?

Its a little trick that is important to know. It involves clicking Start then run in Windows XP. Or in Vista, click Start then click inside the "Start Search" textbox. Now type msconfig then press enter.

Follow up:

A new window will open up. Notice the tabs at the top. Click the startup tab and you will see all the applications that are checked to startup when Windows does. To disable some programs from startup, simply uncheck those that you do not want.

If you are unsure what programs you are disabling search the internet for the names of the abbreviated startup applications. For example, search smtray.

Result of first website in Google:
"The process SoundMAX System Tray belongs to the software SoundMAX Integrated Digital Audio or Smtray.exe by Analog Devices, Inc (www.analog.com)."

This is a great way to free up your startup time. Alternative methods may include uninstalling the entire application but if you would rather start the program up yourself when you want you use it and not have Windows do it "msconfig" is the way to go.

Related questions

How do I disable startup programs in windows?
How do I stop startup programs?
How do I disable software that starts up on my PC?