As a primary purpose, Starter allows one to view and manage all the programs that are starting automatically whenever operating system is loading. It enumerates all the hidden registry entries, startup folders’ items and some of the initialization files, so that the user could choose to temporarily disable selected entries, edit them, create new, or delete them permanently. Secondary purpose is to list all the running processes with possibility to view extended process’ information (such as used DLLs, memory usage, thread count, priorities etc.), and to terminate selected process (even a Windows NT service, having enough access rights).

The program is another freeware program that gives you a good insight into what is starting on your computer and how it starts. The UI is split into sections with a windows explorer like tree on the left and a list of items on the right hand side. There are several tabs at the top to switch between views for Startup Items, Processes and Services. On the Startup tab clicking on any item filters the list on the right hand side accordingly. The list on the right has several columns of data available for each item. To disable any items you can simply uncheck its corresponding check box. Editing a certain entry is a cinch as long as you know what you are doing. You can change the value, the name, the section it resides in, the run state and even add a brief comment (very useful as there are malevolent processes that take the name of a perfectly healthy one and by adding a little comment or making the healthy entry somehow distinct you will be able to spot the malware easier). On the Services tab is a list of the services (running and not running) on your pc. This is similar to the Windows Services Applet. It allows you to start, stop, pause, restart etc.

The software has an installable version as well as a stand alone version that does not keep any files on your pc (possibly good for transporting the program by USB key) In the case of processes and startup items, the program allows the user to add new entries. For all the three sections presented above there is the possibility of looking for the item on the Internet to see exactly what it does, what it is used for, how it behaves, what are the normal parameters it should run under etc. In this regard, Starter offers a good variety of searches that include Google, a set of specialized websites and Internet search engines. In what concerns the configuration of the software this is by far the least interesting aspect, as the aforementioned sections are definitely stealing the thunder. But you should know that you can configure the Navigator style (tabs, buttons or flat buttons), set the action to be performed upon double clicking an item (edit, launch or pop up the file information box), asking for different confirmations, configure the interface information display, choose a theme and add sounds for List Item Select, Toolbar button click, Page change and Error sound.

Pros
From what I have seen on the Internet, this is the most pervasive software in its category. The three hottest issues are magnificently displayed and handled. And, above all things, the application is free and can be used by all types of users. Despite the lack of a help file, Starter manages to provide relevant documentation on the concerned matter.

Cons
The interface could use a little more attention.