SQl Server Performance

I have Installed SQL server 2000 Professional Edition in my Machine (Windows 2000 Professional, P-IV, 256 MB RAM). But it is running two slow.
when i try to open a database or Table it takes alomost 3 minutes to open.
Also it makes my programm slow(Database connected).

what is to be done to make the process faster.

Thanx in Advance