How do I stop applications from pre-loading?

I recently installed Spore and its expansion packs, among some other small applications. While I am very happy with them, the start-up and general performance of the computer has dropped noticeably since the installation.



I did some trawling and found out that several non-essential programs are being pre-loaded. I'm not sure how to stop them from doing this though. Anyone know how?



Thanks for your help in advance.How do I stop applications from pre-loading?
It sound like some of those applications set themselves up to start when you computer starts: if so that can be changed. There is a little known utility for Window based computers called "msconfig," that you can use. To get in "msconfig" fallow these steps.



1) Press "ctrl + r" to bring run the run box

2) Type "msconfig and press enter

3) Click on the startup tab

4) Uncheck all but you security software (anti-virus, anti-spyware, and firewall).

5) If you are using a computer the Windows Vista O/S installed on it, and you want to stop that annoying "approve request" from popping up every time you need to do something. Go to the tool tab, left click one on "Disable UAC." If you are using an XP based computer skip to 8.

6) Left click one the Launch button.

7) A CMD window will open. When the command is done, you can close the window.

8) Press apply the OK. You need to reboot the computer for changes to apply.

9) Restart your computer.

10) On most XP O/S after you restart the computer a window will come up asking you if you meant to make those changes. Uncheck the box "Run this on startup," press OK.

11) You are done "Yeah."