This is a little known performance tweak for Windows XP. You configure Windows to dispense with all but a few GUI effects.

• Click on the Start button and the Run... selection: the Run dialog pops up  ← Click to view
  
  
• Type sysdm.cpl and press Enter to invoke the System Properties dialog:  
  
  
• Click on the Advanced tab:  
  
  
• Click the Performance Settings button:  
  
  
• Clear all but three performance checkboxes: