[teddyFBI]

My HP computer is painfully slow, despite the fact I bought it less than 8 months ago. Here are its specs -- I want suggestions on what I should upgrade to get noticeably improved performance:

HP Pavilion a710e customized PC

– Microsoft(R) Windows(R) XP Home Edition with SP2
– AMD Athlon(TM) XP 3000+ operating at 2.16GHz
– 256 MB DDR / PC2700 (1 DIMM)
– FREE UPGRADE from 40GB to 80GB 7200 rpm Hard Drive
– 48x max HP CD-Writer Drive (48x32x48x)
– 3 USB 2.0, 1 Firewire, 9-in-1 card reader + WinDVD
– Integrated Via UniChrome Graphics
– Integrated 5.1 Capable Sound w/ front audio ports
– HP Internet Keyboard, HP Scroller Mouse
– Microsoft(R) Works 7.0/Money 2004/MSN Encarta Plus
– hpshopping in-box envelope

Obviously, I'm going to add another 512MB of RAM...will I notice improved performance right away solely from that?
How about the AMD chip speed...I don't know much about the AMD Athlon(TM) XP 3000+ operating at 2.16GHz -- is that a decent chip, or a dinosaur?