XP HOME with Service Pack 1

[PHM]

This is a question with lots of potential answers but I
have Home XP with Svc Pack 1 loaded on my desktop (633
Pentium III with 386 memory) and my new Dell Laptop (2.4
gig P IV with 512 memory). Why is my Laptop so slow to
react to opening programs and general commands when my
Desktop is so quick (even though its processor is 3+
years old and slower in speed)?
Any ideas would be greatly welcomed...thanks.

 

[Michael Solomon \(MS-MVP Windows Shell/User\)]

One, check the powersaving features on the laptop. If this is happening
when not connected to an electrical outlet, the system may be in a power
saver mode. Right click a blank space on your desktop, go to the
screensaver tab, click the power button, you should find some settings that
deal with this somewhere in there though you might want to check your
documentation.

Second, if the graphics card doesn't have memory of it's own and shares with
main system memory, regardless of the processor, this type of arrangement
can slow the system down.

Third, it may have something to do with what is installed on the system,
some applications weigh the system down, some antivirus programs are noted
for doing that.

Speaking of which, another reason for slow response can be a virus, you
should probably run a scan and be sure your antivirus software is up to date
before running the scan.