I knew I could count on you, John! NOW it makes sense. I just couldn't figure out why if I had such a fast processor, my computer was running at Model T speeds. Hmmm...guess the Gates gang isn't smart enough to make an XP version for laptops that takes the slower disk speed into account. Nah, they probably just don't care. I think I will add the extra RAM, though.

I did discover something interesting that other folks might want to try. Under the Advanced tab in "System Properties" (right-click "My Computer" from the desktop and choose "Properties" from the menu), there's a button for "Performance Options." There are radio buttons for "Adjust for best appearance" and "Adjust for best performance" -- as well as, of course, the one that says "Let Windows choose what's best for my computer." Then there are a dozen checkboxes below that, which do very important things like making the icons in taskbar slide over when a new one is added, or have a menu item fade out after you click it. When you select "Adjust for best performance," lo and behold, all those boxes get unchecked.   That must free up a fair amount of processor resources. I can live without shadowing under my cursor, thank you very much.

I'll also try increasing the size of the swap file, as soon as I remember how to get back to the place where I can do that.

John, if those hogs have been hanging around with you for a while, they must be some of the smartest hogs in the world. Thanks so much, as ever, for your knowledge, and your ability to communicate it clearly and effectively.

Aloha,
Mark