Q: What is the Best Startup Manager?

A:  Forget MSConfig! I really like WinPatrol by Bill P. Studios.  Here is a description from the WinPatrol Manual that describes what WinPatrol does:

WinPatrol's top feature is how it monitors and allows you to review the programs that automatically launch when you start Windows. Any type of program determined to infect your system will most likely appear on Startup Programs list. This list is essential to detecting nasty software such as trojans, worms, spyware, adware or other programs that may insert themselves into your PC's auto-startup locations.

The first time you run WinPatrol Scotty the Watch Dog will review a list of these special Startup Programs. The startup commands for these programs can be found in the Windows Registry, the WIN.INI file, your Windows Startup Folder, within some system files and other internal system areas.

Many of the programs you see in the Startup Programs list may have come pre-installed by your computer manufacturer. Others may have been installed at a later point by spyware, adware, or some other malicious program. Whenever a new program is added to the Startup Programs list, Scotty will warn you of the change. You will then see the name of the new program and can decide if this program is ok, or if it is suspicious.

WinPatrol monitors and displays more locations then your typical programs of its type including MSConfig.

Now, if you're installing some software and Scotty alerts you, it is nothing to be alarmed at, since the new startup item is probably something you are expecting, and want to be installed as part of your new software package.  On the other hand, if you're sitting on a web page and all of a sudden an alert comes up with some odd name you've never heard of, it could be a malicious script, spyware, or malware.  Just click the "block" button and the startup item will be blocked!

I strongly recommend you download and install WinPatrol - it is another valuable tool to help you keep your computer running smoothly!

 Do you have a startup manager program that you love?  Let me know!

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