Help w/ msconfig

[Randy]

I have a lot of programs open that do not need to be. is
there a way i can keep these programs closed and just
open when i need it or must i go to msconfig. It seems
like anytime someone has told me to go to msconfig and
change something then my computer has problems.
I would really appreciate help with this. I have about 15
programs opening on the taskbar at start-up and i could
close around 10 of them (ie Kodak, Quicktime, Realplayer
etc....)

Thank you for any help,

Randy