In Windows XP/Vista/7 open the 'Start' menu and in the box at the bottom type 'MSCONFIG' and hit [ENTER]. On the fourth tab from the left, across the top titled 'Startup' open that and then select the programs that you need to start with your computer every time it starts (this will not be everything!) then un-check the programs that you don't need to start every time.  Click 'Apply' and then 'Okay' and you my friend have saved some (often considerable) time off your startup!  FYI make sure you DO NOT prevent your anti-virus and firewall from starting up :)