Someone else posted this a few days ago, I don't remember where. But the one tip was to go to Control Panel -> System -> Advanced (tab) -> Settings (button for performance) -> Visual Effects (tab) -> Adjust for best performance (radio button). On default, before you change it, it was probably on the Adjust for best appearance option. Yes, Microsoft thinks that it is better to look good than to work good, and they are certain that's what their customers want as well. The immediately noticable effect is that the Windows XP theme changes to the old Windows 98 theme (less attractive buttons, icons, etc.) Apparently though the snazzier OS interface on Windows XP takes up extra memory. I don't think the change is making a huge difference- except that I do have a bit more screen space with the Windows 98 theme, which I prefer.