Computer Power Usage

Ironically, Kelper, I just ordered/received a "smart plug with energy monitoring" much like the one you recommended - thanks.

Startup Apps

johnlgalt said:

A similar list (really, it should be the same) can be found from Windows Settings --> Apps --> Startup

Click to expand...

I've brought up that list, but if I try and experiment by turning them all off I worry I might get myself in trouble (If they're turned off, they're no longer startup apps, so I won't know which to start up if I have to.). So in order to get a better idea I read https://www.online-tech-tips.com/computer-tips/list-windows-startup-programs/ turn to System Configuration which should give me a list I can screenshot...AND...So when I go there and click the Startup tab I get the message.
so I'm back to Task Manager (which is a different list)
and now I have no idea how much experimenting I can do (i.e., turn them all off and see what happens) without causing problems. (Like, I just downloaded the Discord app--I hate Discord--but it's the only way to get support for some apps...and I never asked it (or anything else) to self-startup.

"sigh"

jro11 said:

...and I never asked it (or anything else) to self-startup.

"sigh"

Click to expand...

I don’t get how it works. AOMEI backup for instance. I had disabled it from starting in startup and blocked it from starting in Kaspersky settings, yet it still has processes running in the background. Why do apps do this?