ladymemi
Welcome to TSG!
Slow performance can happen as more programs are added.
The problem your having may be a low on resource situation caused by many programs starting up. Windows has a little cache, 64K in size, it uses to control all the action. This cache when it starts to fill will manifest itself in slowdown performance, jerky cursors, system hangs, and sometimes a low on memory message alert. This cache is totally independent of your Ram, Hard drive size or any other high power functions.
Removing most of those programs from your startup group will definitely improve performance and most will start on demand.
Go to start/run type in msconfig and enter. Select the startup tab and uncheck all listed except
*statemgr (WinME only), systray, scanregistry, loadpowerprofiles (both), Tweakui if there,
and any antivirus/firewall programs you have. You can review your items using either of the sites below.
After you made the changes click apply and restart the computer.
See if you problem is fixed.
If your have Win95
Does not have MSCONFIG! Download similiar program (startup cop) Here.
http://download.cnet.com/downloads/0-1461989-100-5943130.html
Sites that explain items in the startup group.
Heres a site I like that will help with the explaination.
http://www2.whidbey.net/djdenham/Uncheck.htm
also
http://www.pacs-portal.co.uk/startup_content.htm
Let us know how it turns out.
Dave