Thanks Keef, that fixed it.
The main slowdown was Virgin's PC Guard Anti everything. I took it out the start menu so I can activate it when I want, so as to avoid massive mobile data bills from Vodafone. Yes I know there is a risk but I shall update the virus files manually when I am at home online just before travelling.
This brings me to the general point that every damn thing on the puter now wants to go online regardless of whether it is convenient and affordable. My logitech webcam goes looking for updates, likewise Adobe, Nero, Real Player, etc. I don't mind this for windows security fixes but I resent everything else yakking on tinternet just whenever it feels like it.