I just downloaded my Startup List using Merijn. I have a lot of junk that I am sure I don't need that is keeping my computer from starting up properly. When I see the list, I freak. What should I keep and what should I delete of the programs running in the background. Any decent website that can help me on this one.

As a matter of fact yes! You can find some excellent information right here. Also you can check the program in question in the Startup List, listed at the top of this page on the third tab from the left. If you need any more assistance do not hesitate to ask. Also welcome to Bleeping Computer.

Be (Startup) Safe

Da Bleepin AniMod, Animal

Don't delete stuff unless you're sure that it's OK to delete. A good alternative is Mike Lin's StartupCPL. It puts an entry in your Control Panel called Startup.

Using this you can disable entries without having to delete them.

It's free here: http://www.mlin.net/StartupCPL.shtml