Operating systems generally run a number of services but most of time, a home user won’t require running all these services. If home users are aware of what services their computer is running then it makes a real sense for them, because most of the time these services requires a lot of computer resources. Running useless services also make computer to more vulnerable for attacks. After installing any software check that whether or not that software also has introduces a new service or not. As I use Windows XP Professional with SP2 I found that some services that can be shutdown to improve computer performance as well as security

Internet Information Service (IIS): Microsoft IIS makes computer system a web server and web applications can be hosted on computer. If you are not doing any kind web development, then it’s a good idea to turn off this service

Netmeeting and Remote Desktop sharing: Microsoft Netmeeting and remote desktop sharing is used to organize meetings, share desktop over the network and to access remote computer. If your computer is connected to any network, so its better to turn off these services.

Windows Messenger Service: Windows Messenger Service runs under the name “Messenger”. There is relation of this service to windows messenger. This service basically provides the “net send” and “alerter” functionality.

FTP and Telnet: An FTP service is used to upload files to remote server and telnet is used to remotely access computer over the network.

Universal Plug and Play Device Host: This service automatically finds the appropriate driver for your device, it’s a good idea to turn off this service as soon as your computer installed the driver for a particular device.

Before shutting down any windows service please make sure that you have a complete information regarding that windows service, some windows services are very critical to run windows properly. Apart from these five services there may be some other services that you don’t require.