Start, Run, type in msconfig and select Ok. Select Startup tab.
All of the items checked, start when the computer is booted. If you see some programs that you do not need to run, you can un-check and disable them. This will speed up the boot process. Be careful not to un-check items just because you're not sure what they are. If unsure, it's best to leave them running.
To see other running processes, Right click on the taskbar and select task manager, processes tab. Adware and Spyware often show up here.
how do I find out what programs are running. I have windows xp, I have five different users on this system. when I switch users it shows I have one to two programs still running. how do I find out what they are?

Chowhound
Comic Vine
GameFAQs
GameSpot
Giant Bomb
TechRepublic