Minimize number of background programs



Ok first I would go to start, and in the search box type msconfig. Go to the startup panel and uncheck all the programs you DONT want to start when windows does.
Next you want to look into Black Vipers list of services that are safe to disable (google black viper service list -your windows version-). Thirdly go to your control panel and uninstall programs you don't use anymore. Also go through your application settings (yes go through each program settings one bye one) and try to minimize their footprint. for example "auto-update" features in a program can cumulatively bog your system down as they are constantly checking for updates in the background. Auto log options are similar, as they are another process that runs in the background. A combination of these settings will be the best way to lighten the load. Also consider a RAM upgrade if you feel your system apps run slow or something