You turn on your computer and it takes what feels like a lifetime to startup. If you have windows Vista on your computer then I am guessing your computer is relatively new. The cause of Vista startup most likely falls into two categories. The one I will talk about is Spyware. Spyware and viruses can causes the performance of your computer to degrade significantly. This could be the reason for your slow Vista startup.
90% of personal computers have spyware installed on them and half the time the user doesn't even know. Spyware is a software that is downloaded to your computer with out your consent and is used to spy on you. Spyware varies from a company simply wanting to send adds that relate to you, to stealing your personal information and money. The negative effects of spyware can cause problems for both you and your computer. Spyware can track everything you type into your computer, ever site you visit, every email you send, Instant messages, passwords, and even personal information such as your social security number.