BruceTonge.Info

I have been using Vista Ultimate since the release in the UK and I am quite happy with it (apart from the issues that seem to be fixed with iTunes). I have found a few things though that could make things work a bit smother if you don’t mind turning off some of the “features” though most you probably wont be using.

Here is the list of the services I have stopped what they do and why I have stopped them.

Service: EMDMgmt
Nice Name: ReadyBoost
Does: This is a bit of technology that uses USB memory sticks or flash embedded hard disks to speed up access to system files by making a fast cache of the files.
Why turn off: I am not going to use this as I don’t have (they aren’t available yet) a disk that uses this technology and the USB pen drive option does not actually increase performance by a noticeable amount. I recommend setting the service to manual just in case another app tries to call it.

Service: NM Indexing service
Does: I would guess this is some sort of file index for media files managed by Nero not a windows default service bet as the program is so common thought I would include it.
Why turn off: I am not a fan of indexing I believe you should put it some ware sensible in the first place not use the “loose as” feature and I don’t use Nero for anything more that burning disks.

Service: iPod Service
Does: It looks for iPods being connected to windows.
Why turn it off: As Vista doesn’t like iPods I turned it off the only safe way to remove your iPod is through iTunes and I don’t mind having to open the app to sync my iPod. I believe this is to be fixed in ver 8 of iTunes or just buy a Mac for your music. Your still better off with an iPod than a Zune though…

Service: WinHttpAutoProxySvc
Nice Name: WinHTTP Web Proxy Auto-Discovery Service
Does: This is an api for dhcp so admins can configure proxies through the dhcp service. Doesn’t rely on group policy so non domain hosts are controlled through the proxy.
Why turn it off: I don’t have a proxy. And if I connect to a network with one on I don’t want to be auto configured to go through it as I don’t know what it will be doing and weather I want to trust it. I will reconfigure Firefox myself.

Service: WSearch
Nice Name: Windows Search
Does: It is an indexing service you might have seen the green bar pass over a folder when you make a change. It enables you to access files by typing the name in the run box ass well as making folders that contain search content. It also indexes your email.
Why turn it off: Windows active file search was hammering my disks and was using 100% CPU. As I have said before I like to put files were they are supposed to go instead of loosing them and relying on an index service. This might become an important service in the future though so it might have to be turned back on but I will try to hold out till a service pack or update for it.

Service: TermService
Nice Name: Terminal Services
Does: This gives admins and users the ability to remote the desktop (take control from another host).
Why turn it off: I don’t feel this is needed in the home (especially of a techie) if you are going to use the remote assistance options you will need to have this not disabled. I feel it leaves a howl that could be attacked if available to an attacker.

Service: TabletInputService
Nice Name: Tablet PC Input Service
Does: This is used to control input devices like pens and gesture pads on tablet pc’s.
Why turn it off: Not needed on a normal pc.

To access all the services on Vista right click on your “My Computer” icon and select manage. In the Left pain you will see a list at the bottom is the services tab. this will list all the services you can play with.
There are probably a lot more tweaks to come for Vista and I will put them up as I find them.