Further to my article about tweaking vista , you can greatly improve your computer's performance utilizing some standard techniques that are time proven for all versions of windows.
Memory optimization
This is basically managing memory and how your computer uses it. More is best, and 512Mb is considered average. You should follow the tips below for some memory management tips;
Start up programs
the programs that sit in the startup folder (start\programs\startup) If you don't need them, delete them. If you didn't put them there, take them out. One example is the Adobe Speed Reader launcher - it keeps adobe acrobat ready to quickly open any pdf you may need to view.
No point having it sitting there all the time waiting for you to open a pdf? delete it. Open a pdf and wait a few seconds longer for it to be ready. No big deal.
System tray programs
The programs that are running next to the clock on the bottom right corner
There are typically too many of these running. Right click on them to close them, or better yet, look for their options and disable them from starting with windows.
Disk space usage
You must have ample free space on your hard drives. Windows uses part of your hard drive as virtual memory. When you open a program that is larger than your available physical memory, the data has to be put somewhere. Thus, virtual memory is used.
Drive fragmentation
A fragmented drive means that the hard drive has to haphazardly seek out the rest of the data you are requesting. Like putting a puzzle together, versus putting a model kit together. Puzzles are scattered, models are labeled and organized. Windows can locate the data faster with an organized work area (hard drive)
Cache
To better utilize virtual memory, let windows dedicate its energies towards the more important tasks. Too large a cache requires more time to search, and refresh. Too small a cache requires more refreshing and purging
Eye candy factor (interface, appearance and features)
Fancy desktop wallpapers, and themes rob your computer of memory. Also, storing many files on your desktop increases the size of the desktop that windows loads - which ultimately steals precious memory. Disable the fancy themes, and wallpapers. Remove the unnecessary files from your desktop and put them elsewhere.
You may also try www.tweakvista.com for some more tips and tricks.