XP update notification/startup list

I disabled messenger since I have no need for it, but I wanted to check what tells you when updates are availabe from Windows Update site? I have it set to notify me before downloading or installing. It isn't messenger that does this notifying is it?

Since I just updated to XP I still feel like I'm fumbling around in the dark. What is a good place to check start up items and what really needs to run? I had a lean and clean list running on my 98SE, and XP SP1 put a whole list in there!

Thanks
Alicia

 

http://www.blackviper.com/WinXP/servicecfg.htm

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Removing Programs From Windows XP Start up
http://www.rselby.com/cleanupxp.htm

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Startup-Mechanic
http://www.all4you.dk/FreewareWorld/links.php?page=18&cat=007
http://www.startupmechanic.com/

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Streamling startups .
http://www.pcforrest.freeserve.co.uk/streamlining_startups.htm
http://ww2.whidbey.net/djdenham/Uncheck.htm
http://www.pacs-portal.co.uk/startup_index.htm
http://www.pacs-portal.co.uk/startup_pages/startup_full.htm
http://www.3dspotlight.com/tweaks/startup/start4.shtml
http://www2.whidbey.net/djdenham/Running_items.htm
http://www.djbdesigns.com/wtvzone/startup.html

 

Thanks for the links. I've got some reading to do. Is it windows messenger that sends notices about updates being available?

Alicia

 

Okay thanks. Haven't got through all those sites yet.

Alicia