Laptop Startup Items

 

There are a number of items which are unique to laptop systems.  Some of these are summarized in the table below.  The coding is the same as for the items on the preceding page.

 

Program Name

Comments

ATI*

 These are associated with an ATI Rage graphics card.  They are probably shortcuts to display settings and may be helpful in running games.

Battery Bar

 This is a utility for estimating the amount of life left on the battery.  It can be launched manually when on battery power.

BayMgr

 This is a Dell-installed program, DockApp, which is useful for warm-swapping a batttery, DVD, or other item in the bay.

HotSync

 This is the Palm Pilot hotsync manager.  It can readily be launched manually.

*IrDA

This is required for IrDA to be active.

**Memturbo

 This is a program used for freeing up memory.  It is shareware and can significantly improve performance.

Power Meter

 This is a Dell-installed monitor for battery strength and AC power source for batteries.  It can be manually launched when it is needed.

Prpcui

 This is a Dell-installed program which relates to Intel's Speed-Step.  It provides an easy way to disable speed step.  Its icon can be removed from the taskbar in the Preferences settings.

*Regtrk

 This is Norton's Registry Tracker.  Leave it checked if you want it to monitor changes in the Registry.

**Startupmonitor

 This is a freeware tool which monitors the startup list and provides a warning when an application tries to add something to it, which allows the user to determine whether to allow the addition.

**Syntpenh

 A Dell-installed program for the touchpad.  It adds useful functionality.

**Syntplpr

 An associated part of Syntpenh.

**Winkey

 This is a freeware Windows macro program which can be used to launch programs and open folders with Windows key combinations.  Users rate it worth the RAM it uses.

Many thanks to Timothy Luoma for bringing these items to my attention and to Dave Dykhuis for his input.