many questions

[Sean]

(1) When I click on "scan for new updates" in windows
update, it stays at 0% complete, what's wrong ? I already
tried to repair internet explorer, and downloaded the
newest script.
(2) I have 2 accounts set-up on win xp, the internet runs
so slow on my account, but my spouses internet runs fast.
What would cause this ? All options are the same.
(3) My computer runs slow in loading programs, someone
meantioned I have to many programs running in the
background and to use ms config to get rid of unused
ones. But which programs should I stop running, I don't
know which programs are needed ? (I have 37.2 GB on my C
drive and I'm only using 6.09 GB)
(4) I find some programs run faster than others. Is there
anyway of moving files I use alot around so they load and
run faster then programs I use every now and then ?
Lastly (5) I have 250 MB total physical mem, 75.25 MB are
available phsyical mem. I am thinking of getting 250 MB
more memory, is it easy to install or should I get a
professional to do so ? also would it help my computer
run faster ?

Thank you in advance, for your help