How do I find out and how do I stop programmes running when I switch on my computer at first. I mean ones like Adobe, Quick time etc. Thanks in advance, Ricky.
that may have some of them in....you can delete them from the folder and they won't start with the PC booting up (but it won't uninstall them)
The proper way though is to use MSConfig;
Click Start > Run and type msconfig. Then click the Startup tab. You will see a list of programs that will run each time you start your PC. Clear the checkbox next to an item to prevent it from running. If you later find that you need that program, go back to MSConfig and check the box next to that item, and reboot.
Be a bit carefull poking around in MSconfig though......you can do damage
hijackthis is the best program for doing this. It should be a standard part of your anti-spyware arsenal together with Adaware, Spybot Search & Destory and SpywareBlaster.
Hijackthis is a really simple program that displays the registry entries for a number of startup programs and browser settings. Simply click the ones you want to remove and then click "Fix selected items". Job done.