Week 11 - Services

 In order to make any form of software operate correctly, there needs to be a depth of code, development, as well as necessary updates to make the software work as intended. Over time, this may cause more features, programs, or registry changes to occur. When installing Windows for the first time, a user will have to go through the setup process. Along with the personalization of this setup process, come some of the necessary services that run in the background. But, sometimes services can serve as problematic if there are too many running leaving potential security risks.

Most of the services running on Windows are essential to the operating system functioning correctly. However, there are some services that can be disabled in order to increase optimization or security. Most operating systems will have many important programs running in the background. For example, services that the user may not even realize such as wireless network clients and DHCP clients work to provide the optimal connections.

As a user has their operating system for longer compared to a fresh install, there are times in which the operating system has a bulk of services running in the background. It can get to a point to where things can become cluttered. At some point, there becomes a concern about potential performance & security issues. 

In terms of security, there are 2 main reasons services that aren't needed for the network should be disabled. The first reason is that most operating systems use services to listen on open TCP or UDP ports. These ports being open for listening and communication means that there is a higher likelihood of attacks occurring. Services can also left open for the progression of other bad malware to take over the computer. The problem that stands is that there are a plethora of services and a lot of essential ones that are necessary. That is why it is important to research these services to see if they are a necessity.