Re password: Assuming you don't want a windows password, go to the Windows folder and delete the PWL file relating to the log-on name. Next time you log on it will ask for a password, just press return and hey presto, no Windows password (if you are logged onto a LAN, use the same pw as your Network password and remember to go through the procedure each time your password changes)
Re task bar icons: most of the programs (ie a/v) that you want to keep running permanently will have an option in their config to turn off their icon; it just means that to change anything you'll have to run them through the start menu