Slow Runnings

Hi there

I was hoping someone could offer a possible solution to the problem I have. Whenever I used to (2 months ago) open up any application/ programme it would happen very quickly (my computer - about 1.78 GB and 758 MB of RAM Windows XP Pro). However lately it's causing me no end of grief with prolonged start up times for everything from Mozilla to Outlook to Microsoft Word. Can anyone think of something helpful (apart from get a Mac which my son frequently tells me)?

Cheers

Matt