Weekend

Saturday... visited two clients. One new client has a slow computer, and his situation can be summed up thus:
RAM - If you are running XP with less than 1GB then, yes, the PC will be slow.
Autostart Programs - not every installed product needs to start at login. Help services, update services, little resident apps that you use once in a while; all of thses can be started when needed, if at all.
After cleaning out all the crapware, we ordered him new ram (PC2100 2x1GB to replace his 1x256). I think the difference will be rather dramatic. Install next week.

The other Saturday client, with almost the exact same complaint, received his PC back. I had it at my place for a couple days to look it over. He did have some application level problems, namely with:
Memeo - some rubbish backup software that doesn't play well with others
Google Desktop - Running three instances (!) was quite a drain on his modest resources.
Really, does anyone need Google Desktop?
His new RAM (PC600 RDRAM -Pricey -) will arrive soon, and he'll be much happier.