Max performance !!

As my prefer OS is XP pro, the recommendations here are based on XP system.

Right click the My computer icon from the desktop or from the start menu, then select PROPERTIES, then click Advanced, and you will see a Performance box, then click settings. you will see under the VISUAL Effects tab there are four options, by default the dot is on --let windows choose what's best for my computer. To get the best performance, you can check the adjust for best performance box,then click Apply. the computer will be grey out and look ugly:-), however, in this setting,the processing speed of your computer will be at its fastest.

Well, if you don't want your PC looks like a cardboard,you can tick the CUSTOM box,and then un-tick the top nine boxes below,then click Apply. IN this way,the PC still regains some visual effects but at the same time the computer will also get a better performance.