Here is a tip for quick shutdown :
When a user shuts down Windows XP, first the system has to kill all services currently running. Every once in a while the services does not shutdown instantly and windows gives it a chance to shutdown on its own before it kills it. This amount of time that windows waits is stored in the system registry.
If you modify this setting, then windows will kill the service earlier. To modify the setting, follow the directions below:
–>Goto run and type Regedit.
–>Navigate to HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE/SYSTEM/CurrentControlSet/Control. Click on the “Control” Folder. Select “WaitToKillServiceTimeout” Right click on it and select Modify. Set it a value lower than 2000 which is the default value. (mine is set to 100)
Disable Startup Services
If you are a single user of a non-networked machine, then you can disable the following items with no ill effect.
To disable unneeded startup services for a safer, faster XP, use the “Services” Admin Tool (Control Panel > Performance and Maintenance>Administrative Tools > Services).
1.Alerter
2.Computer Browser
3.Messenger
4.Net Logon (unnecessary unless networked on a Domain)
5.Netmeeting Remote Desktop Sharing (disabled for extra security)
6.Remote Desktop Help Session Manager (disabled for extra security)
7.Remote Procedure Call Locator
8.Remote Registry (disabled for extra security)
9.Routing & Remote Access (disabled for extra security)
10.Server
11.SSDP Dsiscovery Service (this is for the utterly pointless “Universal P’n’P”, & leaves TCP Port 5000 wide open)
12.TCP/IP NetBIOS Helper
13.Telnet (disabled for extra security)
14.Upload Manager
15.Wireless Zero Configuration
disable them and find the rate at which your system speeds.
NOTE: If you want your system to be a part of network later, you can again enable these and it works well.
For any user to have a speedy access keep less cons on your system tray and on desktop.