OT{ sort of .Slow computer

Well, my RISC OS machine (this one) boots up near instantly.

But not much point in comparing apples to oranges. ;-)

The point being a 'netbook' almost certainly uses a stripped down version of Win7 so can't be compared to a normal laptop or desktop. They get far fewer 'upgrades' so don't tend to slow down so much because of these.

Nope. My netbook runs standard Linux Mint 17, as does my son's.

Make that the netbook in question, then. Since it was already stated it used Win7.

Were you actually following the thread?

More to do with it having Windows Starter 7 - upgrades are available to fuller versions of Windows. Win 7 lacks the following:

Windows 7 Starter does not include:

• Aero Glass, meaning you can only use the Windows Basic or other opaque themes. It also means you do not get Taskbar Previews or Aero Peek. * Personalization features for changing desktop backgrounds, window colors, or sound schemes. * The ability to switch between users without having to log off. * 64 bit version * Multi-monitor support. * DVD playback. * Windows Media Center for watching recorded TV or other media. * Remote Media Streaming for streaming your music, videos, and recorded TV from your home computer. * Domain support for business customers. * XP Mode for those that want the ability to run older Windows XP programs on Windows 7.

Can't comment on the number of updates - they are not infrequent.