Each of the icons in the bottom right corner (next to the clock) represents a program that is loaded at startup and is running in the background and each one is using up a portion of the available resources in Windows. The number of icons and what each one does can have a dramatic impact on the performance of your computer, especially at startup. If you notice that your computer is taking a lot longer to startup than when it was new, this is the most likely cause.

Far too many software programs make it a point during the installation to automatically add themselves to your startup, Desktop, and Quick Launch Toolbar (generally located just to the right of the Start button on the Taskbar). Virtually every program that intends to install itself into your startup items, on your Desktop and/or your Quick Launch bar will give you the option to not do so, but you have to pay attention during the installation. There is virtually nothing that truly needs to be installed into startup with a few exceptions such as an anti-virus, anti-spyware or firewall program. Most companies install their software in this manner for “convenience” so that their product will launch when certain activity is detected, such as plugging in a device or pressing a button on a printer or scanner.

While this convenience may seem neato in the beginning, it does not take long to end up with dozens of programs loading at startup and taking valuable resources away from Windows, which results in sluggish response to your mouse clicks and keystrokes and long boot times.

Most experienced users have gone a few rounds with a computer that has been overrun with excessive program installations and have learned to play close attention to the various screens during installation so they can avoid the problem before it is installed.

If you find yourself with a computer that is sluggish and has lots of icons down by the clock (you may have to click on the little left arrow to see all the hidden icons) getting rid of the unnecessary programs would be a good idea. Try floating your mouse over each icon to see if the description gives any clue as to what the program is and what it does.

If you can determine what it is and whether you need it or not, you can then go the Control Panel and click on the Add/Remove Programs icon to uninstall the entire program. If you need the program, but don’t want it to install at startup, you must look for a settings or Preferences option in the actual program to change how it is loaded by Windows.