sphynx_000

Problem-

I want to make my computer faster. I have a pertty new computer, and have been noticing slower start-up times, overall slowed performance when opening programs and media.

What is mostly bothering me is start-up. Initially I get to the desktop pertty quick, but I can see/hear that the hard drive and processor are running for quite some time longer. I have to wait quite a while for the computer to catch up before I can start opening programs or whatever.



Computer-

Dell 9100, XP pro, 2.8Ghz Pentuim D, 1 GB RAM, Radeon X600 256MB, 160GB SATA 7200RPM hard drive



Computer knowledge-

Pertty basic, I have installed a couple cd burners before, but thats about it under the chassie... I have heard of people running seperate harddrives for music/OS/programs, I was thinking maybe something like that would help me. I dont think memory is a problem.

A friend of mine is trying to convince me I need a i-mac. From my understanding, that system is still pertty slow running unfamiliar programs, the G4, seames to do alot better. Anyhow, I would rather keep my PC, and try to upgrade it to make it run faster. Maybe someone could shed some light on that comparison?



Computer usage-

I listen to alot of music. I almost constantly have a media player running while on the computer. The largest program I run is photoshop, and soon will be using pro-engineer (engineering design software).



Anyhow, I am just looking for some ideas or advise, anything would be appreciated.