programs running in background

You can use Run (press Windows+R) & type  msconfig
then check Startup tab
You can get FREE program called Startup Control Panel to List Auto Startup Folders & HKEY's &  Add / Remove Auto Startup programs from;
http://www.mlin.net/StartupCPL.shtml

After install  use Control Panel switch to Classic View & select "Program" , you can also create Desktop shortcut by right click on Control Panel "Program".
To Temp remove , remove tick & doesn't give Startup message like MSCONFIG.
Is provides a more permanent Delete than MSCONFIG.
---------------------
You can  also get FREE program called Spybot from;
http://spybot.eon.net.au/
If you install with Blind Icons you also get extra Immunize Options
"Lock IE Home Page"
"Lock Hosts file"
"Lock use of Internet Options from IE" > Tools > Internet Options

Use Update 1st before Immunize or Check for Problems

*** Also has other Tools , like Edit of Auto Startup Programs.
Select "Tools" , "System startup " , click on a program & remove tick for Temp removal ,
or click on "Delete" button at the top for permanent removal. ***

To see what the startup items are and whether you need them,

http://www.sysinfo.org/startuplist.php

type the name in the search box.