Ahhhhh. A kindred computing soul.
How much RAM do you have? I have a dual AMD 1.x hz CPU ASUS MOTHER BOARD; 160+ GIGBYTES HD etc.
I have a gig of RAM -- and it often isn't enough anymore!
I always have Outlook and lots of Word and IE windows open, plus other stuff. (I even still use mIRC, 'cause it doesn't seem like I'm "at work" unless I can occasionally chat.) I either multitask or have a short attention span, you decide. ;)
My computer is the same speed as yours, but my HD is only 100 gig.