Notifies selected users and computers of administrative alerts. If the service is stopped, programs that use administrative alerts will not receive them. If this service is disabled, any services that explicitly depend on it will fail to start.
*If you are connected to a network, set it to Automatic. This service will notify your System Administrator of problems occurring within the network which may aid them in fixing the problem.

Provides software installation services such as Assign, Publish, and Remove.
*Disabling this service may prevent configuration or removal of some software applications.

Enables the download and installation of critical Windows updates. If the service is disabled, the operating system can be manually updated at the Windows Update web site.
*I prefer manually updating my system as Microsoft doesn't always know what is good for my machine. Manual and Automatic update via Windows Update web site Requires Cryptographic Services to be running.

Disabled
Often update windows

Automatic(D)
XP will notify you of available updates.

Uses idle network bandwidth to transfer data.
*If "Automatic Updates" service is disabled, it is not needed for this service to run.

Enables ClipBook Viewer to store information and share it with remote computers. If the service is stopped, ClipBook Viewer will not be able to share information with remote computers. If this service is disabled, any services that explicitly depend on it will fail to start.
*I've had no problems with any application on my computer with having this service set to Manual. If you are on a network of computers, your system Administrator should know if you require this service.

Supports System Event Notification service (SENS), which provides automatic distribution of events to subscribing Component Object Model (COM) components. If the service is stopped, SENS will close and will not be able to provide logon and logoff notifications. If this service is disabled, any services that explicitly depend on it will fail to start.
*Required for System Event Notification. If you disable this service, you will find DCOM will create an event log noting this service is not running. To figure out if you need this service running or not, take a peek at your "X:\Program Files\ComPlus Applications" folder for any COM+ applications installed in there. If not, it's probably safe to Disable this service.
*BootVis requires COM+ Event System & Task Scheduler if you want to take advantage of the system optimization features. Without these services you will add a couple of seconds to your bootup times. BootVis deals with prefetch settings and prefetching only occurs at bootup.

Maintains an updated list of computers on the network and supplies this list to computers designated as browsers. If this service is stopped, this list will not be updated or maintained. If this service is disabled, any services that explicitly depend on it will fail to start.
*This service is not required by a home computer. you will still be able to browse your Network workgroup and mapped network shares if disabled.

Provides three management services: Catalogue Database Service, which confirms the signatures of Windows files; Protected Root Service, which adds and removes Trusted Root Certification Authority certificates from this computer; and Key Service, which helps enrol this computer for certificates. If this service is stopped, these management services will not function properly. If this service is disabled, any services that explicitly depend on it will fail to start.
*Windows Updates service set to Manual or Automatic will require this service. Windows Media Player requires this service for some of its features to function.

Automatic
You won't have to remember to turn it on when necessary.

Disabled
Power User setting

Manages network configuration by registering and updating IP addresses and DNS names.
*If your Internet Service Provider, (ISP) supplies a Dynamic IP Address when ever your machine requires a connection to the Net, set this to Automatic.
If your Internet Service Provider, (ISP) has given you a Static IP, you can disable this service. Test it out and see if you are unsure.

AFD Networking Support Environment, NETBios Over Tcpip,
TCP/IP Protocol Driver

Coordinates transactions that span multiple resource managers, such as databases, message queues, and file systems. If this service is stopped, these transactions will not occur. If this service is disabled, any services that explicitly depend on it will fail to start.
*Message Queuing requires this service.

Remote Procedure Call (RPC)

Security Accounts Manager

Resolves and caches Domain Name System (DNS) names for this computer. If this service is stopped, this computer will not be able to resolve DNS names and locate Active Directory domain controllers. If this service is disabled, any services that explicitly depend on it will fail to start.
*Required if using IPSEC. If multiple domains are used within a network, set to Automatic.

Lets you know when you are running out of ink.
*When we start to run out of ink, we can feel the difference

Allows error reporting for services and applications running in non-standard environments.
*This one is up to you. If you get a error while working in one of your applications, a dialogue box pops up and asks if you would like to tell Microsoft your problems. All pertinent information on the error will be logged and sent to Microsoft. Waste of my time if you ask me.

Automatic
for multiple user computer.
Disabled
for single user computer

Enables you to send and receive faxes, utilizing fax resources available on this computer or on the network.
*This service isn't installed by default but is available off the Windows XP installation CD.
I send faxes very infrequently but I still want it available on this computer. I set it to Manual on my system.

Plug and Play,
Print Spooler,
Remote Procedure Call (RPC),Telephony

Disabled
No Fax

Manual
Fax avail on demand

Used to provide a FTP server on your network.
*If you aren't running a server from your machine, you won't need this.

Enables Help and Support Center to run on this computer. If this service is stopped, Help and Support Center will be unavailable. If this service is disabled, any services that explicitly depend on it will fail to start.
*This service is required for Microsoft Online Help documents. Attempting to access Help and Support after disabling this service will change the startup type to Automatic on this service.

Usually used in conjunction with local web site or FTP servers.
*Not installed by default. Crackers use this as a leak on your system. Leave Disabled if not needed.

Manages CD recording using Image Mastering Applications Programming Interface (IMAPI). If this service is stopped, this computer will be unable to record CDs. If this service is disabled, any services that explicitly depend on it will fail to start.
*XP comes with burning software that allows drag & drop burning. If you have software installed that already has this feature, you can Disable it. Disabling this service can give you an improvement in burning speed as well. (So I've heard)

Indexes contents and properties of files on local and remote computers; provides rapid access to files through flexible querying language.
*This is a resource hog. Either Disable it or even better, uninstall it using the Add/Remove Programs icon in the Control Panel.

Provides network address translation, addressing, name resolution and/or intrusion prevention services for a home or small office network.
*Not very configurable. Kind of a lame excuse for a firewall. It's better than nothing.

Application Layer Gateway Service, Network Connections,Network Location Awareness (NLA),Remote Access Connection Manager

Disabled
3rd party firewall application

Automatic:
XP Firewall

Manages IP security policy and starts the ISAKMP/Oakley (IKE) and the IP security driver.
*You might be on that rare domain that requires this service. Test out Disabling this service.

IPSEC Driver,
Remote Procedure Call (RPC), TCP/IP Protocol Driver

Detects and monitors new hard disk drives and sends disk volume information to Logical Disk Manager Administrative Service for configuration. If this service is stopped, dynamic disk status and configuration information may become out of date. If this service is disabled, any services that explicitly depend on it will fail to start.
*If needed, a Manual setting will allow this service to start and stop when not needed.

Plug and Play,
Remote Procedure Call (RPC)

Configures hard disk drives and volumes. The service only runs for configuration processes and then stops.
*Required by the MMC Console for dynamic volumes.

Logical Disk Manager, Plug and Play,
Remote Procedure Call (RPC)

Manages local and remote debugging for Visual Studio debuggers.
*If you don't want to be dealing with the dialogue box asking you if you wish to debug the script on this, (not mine) page, Disable this service.

Transmits net send and Alerter service messages between clients and servers. This service is not related to Windows Messenger. If this service is stopped, Alerter messages will not be transmitted. If this service is disabled, any services that explicitly depend on it will fail to start.
*Only set this to Automatic if you're connected to a Windows 2000/XP domain or network.

NetBIOS Interface, Plug and Play, RPC. ,Workstation

*May be used on some domains. Not installed by default. Not available on XP Home.
Link to Message Queuing in Windows XP for a good description.

Distributed Transaction Coordinator, Message Queuing Access Control, NT LM Security Support Provider, Reliable Multicast Protocol driver, RPC., Server

Disabled

Automatic
if using this service

*See link above for information on this service.

Manages software-based volume shadow copies taken by the Volume Shadow Copy service. If this service is stopped, software-based volume shadow copies cannot be managed. If this service is disabled, any services that explicitly depend on it will fail to start.
*Microsoft Backup requires this service.

Enables an authorized user to access this computer remotely by using NetMeeting over a corporate intranet. If this service is stopped, remote desktop sharing will be unavailable. If this service is disabled, any services that explicitly depend on it will fail to start.
*This could be a security hole.

Manages objects in the Network and Dial-Up Connections folder, in which you can view both local area network and remote connections.
*Disable this service if you aren't on the Net with your machine.

Provides network transport and security for Dynamic Data Exchange (DDE) for programs running on the same computer or on different computers. If this service is stopped, DDE transport and security will be unavailable. If this service is disabled, any services that explicitly depend on it will fail to start.
*Unless you use ClipBook remotely, Disable this service.

Manages Dynamic Data Exchange (DDE) network shares. If this service is stopped, DDE network shares will be unavailable. If this service is disabled, any services that explicitly depend on it will fail to start.
*Unless you use ClipBook remotely, Disable this service.

Collects and stores network configuration and location information, and notifies applications when this information changes.
*Internet Connection Sharing Service, (server only) requires this server to be running. Disabled unless running ICS/ICF.

Collects performance data from local or remote computers based on preconfigured schedule parameters, then writes the data to a log or triggers an alert. If this service is stopped, performance information will not be collected. If this service is disabled, any services that explicitly depend on it will fail to start.
*Combine the information that this service will produce in the performance log and System Monitor and you have some pretty technical info. Not really necessary IMO.

Enables a computer to recognize and adapt to hardware changes with little or no user input. Stopping or disabling this service will result in system instability.
*One of the basic natures of your operating systems of today are Plug and Play. Install a device or component and your system automatically detects it. Without this, your system will not ask for proper drivers to be installed. You will be left unaware that you have hardware configuration problems if not immediately apparent through normal operation of your machine. In other words, don't disable this!!

Retrieves the serial number of any portable music player connected to your computer.
*I haven't heard of any device that requires this service yet.

Provides protected storage for sensitive data, such as private keys, to prevent access by unauthorized services, processes, or users.
*This service is responsible for saving passwords using Auto Complete, Dialup Networking and Domain Controller/Server that requires authentication. I leave this one set to Automatic myself. You decide which is best for you.

Provides network signaling and local traffic control setup functionality for QoS-aware programs and control applets.
*You will find this installed by default in any  Network connection. Some applications can request the extra bandwidth made available by this service. Approximately 20%. When the bandwidth is no longer needed, it is returned to your systems available bandwidth. 100% is now available again. Disable this service if you have no need for the bandwidth redirect. Better still, uninstall it from your network connection.
More about this service.

AFD Networking Support Environment,Remote Procedure Call (RPC), TCP/IP Protocol Driver

Creates a connection to a remote network whenever a program references a remote DNS or NetBIOS name or address.
*Your internet connection may need this service running due to some ISP's logon processes. Test it out with Disabled. If your connection fails, set it to Automatic.

Manages and controls Remote Assistance. If this service is stopped, Remote Assistance will be unavailable. Before stopping this service, see the Dependencies tab of the Properties dialog box.
*This can be a handy service for the Newbie and the helpful Power User. If you don't plan on using this service, Disable it.

Provides the endpoint mapper and other miscellaneous RPC services.
*As you can see by the dependency column, lots of services depend on this service.

Manages the RPC name service database.
*If your connection fails after Disabling this service, set it to Manual.

Enables remote users to modify registry settings on this computer. If this service is stopped, the registry can be modified only by users on this computer. If this service is disabled, any services that explicitly depend on it will fail to start.
*You will be able to modify your registry only from your computer. No remote computer will be able to gain access.

Offers routing services to businesses in local area and wide area network environments.

Stores security information for local user accounts.

Supports file, print, and named-pipe sharing over the network for this computer. If this service is stopped, these functions will be unavailable. If this service is disabled, any services that explicitly depend on it will fail to start.
*If you are on a network and have file and print sharing turned on, you will need this set to Automatic. Home users should Disable this security risk service.

*Supports the use of a local (outbound) email server.
Not installed by default.

*Supports UNIX Networking services.
Not installed by default.

Manages access to smart cards read by this computer. If this service is stopped, this computer will be unable to read smart cards. If this service is disabled, any services that explicitly depend on it will fail to start.
*In a Network of computers you might have a Smart Sard installed for Network Authentication. If you don't have any Smart Cards installed, Disable this service.

Enables support for legacy non-plug and play smart-card readers used by this computer. If this service is stopped, this computer will not support legacy reader. If this service is disabled, any services that explicitly depend on it will fail to start.
*No Smart Card? Disable this service.

Supports the use of networking equipment that use SNMP as a mode of management.
*Not installed by default

Supports the use of networking equipment that use SNMP as a mode of management.

Enables discovery of UPnP devices on your home network.
*If you don't have any of these devices, disable it. If you do have home networking devices set up, test it out on Disable. If any device stops working, set to Automatic.

Tracks system events such as Windows logon, network, and power events. Notifies COM+ Event System subscribers of these events.
*This service will notify and log events such as logon's and power problems. Most of us couldn't care less about this information.

Performs system restore functions. To stop service, turn off System Restore from the System Restore tab in My Computer, Properties, System Restore tab.
*2 schools of thought on this one. Some think it's a resource hog. It will create a new restore point every time you install a new program. The restore point is as big as your amount of RAM you have installed. You can remove old restore points if you want as to not use up to much of your hard drive space.
I like it. before I do some kind of major hacking to my system or install some kind of beta ware, I create a restore point to return to if need be. Multiple partitions with multiple O/S's? Turn off System Restore on all drives except Windows XP's partition.

Enables a user to configure and schedule automated tasks on this computer. If this service is stopped, these tasks will not be run at their scheduled times. If this service is disabled, any services that explicitly depend on it will fail to start.
*BootVis, Anti virus program auto updates, added maintenance routines, Windows XP prefetch, Windows Updates service, are a few of the programs and services that won't start if Disabled. I do everything manually so I Disable this service.

Enables support for NetBIOS over TCP/IP (NetBT) service and NetBIOS name resolution.
*If NetBios or WINS is not implemented on your network, Disable this service.

Provides Telephony API (TAPI) support for programs that control telephony devices and IP based voice connections on the local computer and, through the LAN, on servers that are also running the service.
*Dialup Networking depends on this service to be running. If you are on Cable or DSL, test Disabled. If your connection fails, set to Automatic.

Enables a remote user to log on to this computer and run programs, and supports various TCP/IP Telnet clients, including UNIX-based and Windows-based computers. If this service is stopped, remote user access to programs might be unavailable. If this service is disabled, any services that explicitly depend on it will fail to start.
*This service isn't available on XP Home.
Disable this one as it could pose a security risk.

NTLM Security Support Provider, RPC, TCP/IP Protocol Driver

Allows multiple users to be connected interactively to a machine as well as the display of desktops and applications to remote computers. The underpinning of Remote Desktop (including RD for Administrators), Fast User Switching, Remote Assistance, and Terminal Server.
*If you don't use any of these features, Disable this service. This service could pose a security threat as well.

Provides user experience theme management.
*If you use the themes provided by the XP O/S, set this one to Automatic. If you don't like the colors and animations, Disable. If you want to shut down most of the resource wasting in the themes.

Monitors internet traffic and generates alerts for disallowed access.
*Required by Zone Alarm

AFD Networking Support Environment,  RPC,vsdatant

Manages an uninterruptible power supply (UPS) connected to the computer.
*If you use a Uninterruptible Power Supply, (UPS) leave this set to Automatic.

Provides support to host Universal Plug and Play devices.
*Some multiplayer games using Direct 7/8 require this service to be running. If this applies to you, set it to Automatic. Otherwise, Disable this service as it poses a possible security risk.

Manages synchronous and asynchronous file transfers between clients and servers on the network. If this service is stopped, synchronous and asynchronous file transfers between clients and servers on the network will not occur. If this service is disabled, any services that explicitly depend on it will fail to start.
*You won't need this one. Most Networks will have their own application that will take care of this one. FTP is the norm.

Manages and implements Volume Shadow Copies used for backup and other purposes. If this service is stopped, shadow copies will be unavailable for backup and the backup may fail. If this service is disabled, any services that explicitly depend on it will fail to start.
*This service is used with Microsoft Backup. If you don't use Microsoft Backup, Disable this service. If unsure, set to Manual.

Enables Windows-based programs to create, access, and modify Internet-based files. If this service is stopped, these functions will not be available. If this service is disabled, any services that explicitly depend on it will fail to start.
*It's been rumoured that DOT NET may require this service.

Manages audio devices for Windows-based programs. If this service is stopped, audio devices and effects will not function properly. If this service is disabled, any services that explicitly depend on it will fail to start.
*Don't Disable this one unless you don't have a sound card installed.

Provides image acquisition services for scanners and cameras.
*If you Disable this service and your camera or scanner fails to function, set this to Automatic.

Installs, repairs and removes software according to instructions contained in .MSI files.
*If you set this service to Manual, it will start when needed.

Maintains date and time synchronization on all clients and servers in the network. If this service is stopped, date and time synchronization will be unavailable. If this service is disabled, any services that explicitly depend on it will fail to start.
*Instead of using resources I set my clock manually when needed. I don't run the clock in the taskbar as it uses up valuable real-estate on the taskbar. I modified my case to accommodate a digital clock on the front instead.

Provides automatic configuration for the 802.11 adapters.
*If you don't have a wireless network setup, you can disable this service.

NDIS Usermode I/O Protocol, RPC

Creates and maintains client network connections to remote servers. If this service is stopped, these connections will be unavailable. If this service is disabled, any services that explicitly depend on it will fail to start.
Very important service.