How can I identify a system bottleneck

I am running an 800 mHtz CPU, with 256k sdram, using a 80 gig hard drive, but my system is bottle-necked and extremely slow, and I would like to know how to fix it.
I am using windows XP with service pack 2 as an operating system.
Please help if possible.

 

what are you trying to do on your computer?

run windows better? play modern games? surf the net?

also what video card do you have?

 

to be honest that system is a bottle neck itself... windows XP on 800mhz and 256mb ram... most ppl recommend a minium of 512 megs for XP. try getting a new system or grab a better cpu, mobo and ram

 

I just use my computer for "Every Day" things, such as surfing the net and doing my financial stuff (Quicken). I don't get too elaborate, as I have limited knowledge, and have too many irons in the fire to get too involved in sitting in front of my computer. My Video Card is an Nvidea Vanta.
My System used to operate much faster, and it seemed to slow down drastically almost overnight. I am not sure if there is some sort of a virus, or whats going on, but its driving me nutz.

 

For SniperGod, As far as your reply was concerned, I wasn't really seeking critics, just some simple assistance.
Thanks.

 

well try runnign spyware scans or whatnot. also close and background tasks that are unneeded. u prolly shouldnt have more then oh 35-40 tasks running in the background. you can check this by pressing control alt delete

 

Do a spyware check and get a registry cleaner (both available at this site).
Defrag your hard drive and run chkdsk, to do this, go to your hard drive in "my computer", right click it, click properties. Go to the "tools" tab. Both are in there.

Also, make sure you don't have too many programs running simultaeneously. This applies to stuff in your taskbar as well as programs you are working in.
Check you don't have too many processes running.

 

Thanks,
By "tasks" are you refering to processes ?
I am not real savy in these matters.