hi. when i start my laptop it takes forever to get going.
in task manager i notice a lot of processes going on & performance is using more ram than i have. any help welcome. thanks tom.

Try this ... http://www.microsoft.com/AtWork/getstarted/speed.mspx

Also, try this... download and install this program (it's free) CCleaner ... Alternative Download.
1. After installing...run the program...
Before the first use, select Options > Advanced and UNCHECK "Only delete files in Windows Temp folder older than 48 hours"
Click on Analyzer...then click on Run Cleaner.
2. On the left side of the window, click on Registry...click on Scan for issues...click on Fix selected issues.

This program will cleanup your temp files and cookies.

I would try running MSCONFIG and unchecking any unnecessary items under the startup tab. If you want to verify that this will speed it up I would boot into safe mode first and see if the speed is any faster. If it is then you know that you have to many startup apps running in the background or your Anti-virus/Firewall is slowing you down.