Simply put a service can be described as a software application that runs continuously in the background while your computer is on.

BUT isn’t that what any software application does on a PC?

Well yes and no…

The main difference with a service is that they load into memory at boot time and start running whether or not anyone logs into the computer.

Windows has numerous services that run in the background and they provide basic functions to the system such as: connectivity to a network, printer support, access to visual themes and USB connectivity to name but a few.

There is also a hierarchy amongst services, by that I mean not all services were created equal. Some services are needed as the PC boots up and some are only called upon when their functionality is required, (the later is done with no direct contact with the user.)

Why Bother With Windows Services?

So why exactly would you want to know about these services?

TWO reasons:

1) A basic understanding of Windows Services helps with troubleshooting!

2) A basic understanding helps with tweaking your system!

Troubleshooting

When it comes to getting help for problems with your computer a basic understanding of how it functions is important.

There is a lot of self help online, if you look hard enough, for just about any technical problem you may encounter on your computer.

It is highly probable that these articles will ask you to check a service related to your particular support issue.

So if you have no idea what a Windows Service is or how to access it then you are not going to be able to try the self help method!

Having this basic understanding of Windows services will always prove useful for any PC owner.

Tweaking

Each and every service that is running in the background on your PC takes up two key system resources:

# System Memory (known as RAM)
# CPU Time (known as the processor)

…and has an impact on:

# Boot Time

Essentially many services (at least 20) are loaded during the time a PC boots (known as starting up) and the more services the longer it takes. However that in itself is not a good enough reason, in my technical opinion, to start shutting them all down so to speak.

Other options like adding more System Memory (RAM) or even going as far as upgrading your processor would do just as well and give you the benefit of a more powerful PC for all the activities you perform on it.

If you have only just purchased a modern PC (perhaps at Christmas 2006) then it is unlikely you really would gain much from any trimming of services at boot time.

TIP: No matter what you read about the minimum specifications for a PC running Windows Vista add enough RAM for the system to run smoothly and that means at least 0.5 GB RAM, or 1 GB if you can. You WILL be rewarded with a far better computing experience!