TSGL: Dell Dimension - too slow

[Tilman Brandl]

Hi,

I'm trying to help a friend with her (older) Dell Dimension 2400 
computer. Main problem is a CD-drive that doesn't work, but that's not 
where I need help, I believe.

My question is: What might be Dell-specific reasons for a noticeable 
slow-down on these machines? From what she has hardware-wise her PC 
should be as fast as my own no-name machine, but it isn't !

I'm going to check through all the usual problem zones, like start-up 
files & behaviour, missing or wrong drives and so on. Is there anything 
I should beware of that might be different on Dells than on other 
machines ?

Btw - there was a program mentioned here at some time that would give 
detailed information about what happens during boot & startup. If any of 
you can recall it's name, what was it?

Thanks
Tilman