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Auto-start programs are applications that are configured to start automatically when the operating system starts.

If you are using Windows operating system you might have observed that some programs for example Windows Live Messenger or Skype can be configured to automatically start whenever you start up your computer.

Theses programs are set on the auto start mode. To configure a program to start automatically there are many ways. One such method is to use an auto start program.

The auto start program is a software that maintains the list of programs that you need to launch whenever you start up your computer.

You can add as many programs as you wish to an auto start software, when the windows will start the program will automatically launch these software. The second method to auto start program is to do it using the windows start menu.

This method is considered the simplest and safest method if you are using windows operating system. All you have to do is go to start menu, All program, Start up.

In the start up menu you have to create a short cut of all applications that you want to auto start. Once done properly all of these programs will be automatically started when the windows operating system will start.

There is another complex method to auto start programs, for that go to start menu, open the “run” command dialog box, type “msconfig. Msc” or “msconfig.exe”.

It will show you a dialog box with different options and tabs in it. Go to the boot menu and select selective boot option.

Then go to start up, here you will see a list of applications and installed programs of your computer. Select the programs that you want to auto start and save them. There is also a tab of services, you can set any service on auto start from this menu.

The third method to accomplish this task is to do it using the registry key. This method is complex and is not suitable for users who have no extensive knowledge of the computer and windows operating system. In this method you have to modify the registry entry of the program that you want to set on auto start.

However it is recommended to keep as few programs on auto start as possible. Because keeping programs on auto start mode slows down your computer, it also can expose your computer to some security risks.