Startup lag

When I start my comp up, after inputting my password, it takes a couple minutes before I get to the desktop. Any ideas? And, is there a way to make it faster?

-not extremely computer smart-
Remove a bunch of processes?
Run msconfig>>>startup>>uncheck programs which are useless. Google the processes if you're unsure, I guess D=.

I find the thread stickied the most handy to follow:
http://www.southperry.net/forums/showthread.php?t=254