MS programs that bug and call home

I just shifted from 98se to xp and am amazed at the number of MS
programs that try to call home or, if you shut them off, bug you.

I have startup cop and am using it to control several of these programs,
but have some basic questions on what I can shut down and not have a
problem. Are there any that are critical to leave open? I note that I
have six svchost.exe open in task manager being used as system (3)
Network (2) and local(1). Why so many? What are they doing? How can I
find out what is using them?

There certainly are quite a few programs in Task Manager. Is there a
good site to describe them and what is not essential?

Currently, just about every help or search program, including windows
explorer, tries to call home when I use it. I have Zone Alarm set to
make them ask, so it is just a minor hassle to control them.

If I set Automatic updates to off and let me do it, Security Manager
pops up and bugs me about as much as Robbie the Robot (remember "Danger
Will Robinson!). How can I shut that off? It will do it with AVG
updates, also, even though AVG does it too (with a black icon in systray).

One other observation. I have certainly had more hits with Spybot,
adaware and A2 with xp than I ever had with 98se. The bad guys really
like it. Which is one reason I am trying to shut down as many programs
that like to call home as I can, since all can be infected and look like
they are nice guys trying to call home, including windows explorer (BTDT).

Sorry for so many questions in one post, but they are all related.

GA
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