XP sp3 & IE 8b1

Ok, so I got back from a long vacation to my (old, ok to mess with) PC. I go through my usual routine and then go to Microsoft Update like I habitually do. It recommends that I "upgrade" to sp3. (service pack 3) so i did. and now my 2.2 ghz machine is really slow loading windows and shutting it down. Anyone else have the same problem? and two: I was browsing through my tech news and I saw a piece about Internet Explorer 8. so i downloaded it and ... quite frankly unless you're a web developer, (which the software is targeted at), its just a carbon copy of IE7 'cept it takes up more screen space, which matters to me as I have a 15" monitor. Anyone have any tips for this new microsoft creation? and three (ish): Try Opera 9.5. Really. I mean it. It is not only pretty but fast. Sorry for those of you who don't care, but i had an epiphany of sorts and i just HAD to share... lol Yours Truly, Jesan Fafon