Virtual Memory

Virtual memory is a process in which Windows uses the disk space of your hard drive to 
supplement your Random Access Memory (RAM).  There are several problems with virtual memory: 
the biggest drawback being speed.   Since the hard disk is used, the frequency of access, the 
drive's seek time, and transfer rate all affect performance.  

The best tip for virtual memory is to have enough RAM, that virtual memory is seldomed used.
How much?  At a minimum, 64 megabytes.  Windows and it's applications are very memory intensive.

Here are a few tricks you can use:

First, create a fixed size swap file. Set the minimum and maximum size to the same size.  How 
large?  Roughly, 2-2.5 times your RAM in size.  So, if you have 64 megs of RAM, set the to at 
least 130 megs.  If you have 128 megs or more, make the swap file equal to the RAM.

The next trick is to place the Windows swap file in it's own partition on your drive.  This 
will speed up access time and cause less fragmentation on your main drive.  

Steps
 
Create the appropriate sized partition (Partition Magic is the best app)
Under the Control Panel, select System
Under System, select Performance tab
Under Performance, select Virtual Memory
Choose "Let Me Specify My Own Virtual Memory Settings"
Select the partitioned drive
Set the minimum and maximum as above or
set the minimum and maximum to a size approximately 90% of the partition's total size.
Defragment all drives
Reboot
 

FYI: If you use Norton Utilities to protect the Recycle Bin, turn the protection off for that 
partition that will hold the swap file.  Also, unfragment your drives often, especially your 
primary drive.