start ups
Disable most start up programs except anti virus. Type msconfig into run dialogue box for
XP or type msconfig into search for Vista & Win 7.
Set antivirus to manual scan only {once per week is ok or eve less} & scan when not using the PC ....scanning hits performance big time.
In task scheduler{Vista & Win 7}, disable any auto defragging ..defrag manually when not using PC ..the defragging process affects performance.