Most systems and processors are setup quite conservative, just to keep them as stable as possible. Often it may be worth while checking out if your can be pushed beyond its specifications. Most recent computers allow you to change the speed setting from the bios. Older computers may require opening the computer casing, and setting jumpers. Often 'brand' computers don't allow you to set anything at all.
Easiest is the speed of the motherboard (66, 100, 133, 150 and up). Depending on your memory and processor, it's mostly possible to push this up quite a bit. Processors run faster than your board, easily up to 10 times as fast. For some processors you can change this multiplier. For most it is fixed, the processor will always run at its default setting. You can try changing both by changing settings in the bios. You may need the manual of your mainboard to find these. Restart your system and try your most demanding software.
Your system will always be dependent on the size and speed of your harddisk. Very much so if you find your system does a lot of swapping for its virtual memory. Your harddisk should not be filled in excess of 75% of its total size to perform at its best. Harddisk technology is evolving rapidly, so a newer harddrive may considerably speed up your system. If it crashes set it back again, if it doesn't you're in luck. Be sure to have a fan on your processor to prevent overheating.
Windows will require at least 32 MB of memory to run. The more or the larger the programs you run at a time, the more memory is desirable. More than 128 MB is unnecessary in most cases however. Some applications (games, graphics software), may benefit from more memory. Older versions of windows may have trouble handling this, win98's optimum for example is 64 MB. Adding memory is probably the cheapest way to improve system performance.
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