> 1) the time taken to receive the internet stuff from > SB

This could be down to a few things.
a) The speed of the internet connection
b) The speed of the web server
c) Inefficient forum

Its definitely not a) because its on a super fast connection now. Its not b) because the thing is a beast (2Gb of RAM). Its definitely c) - it runs from text files, rather than a database, so it takes it minutes to process these and create an index page of the threads.

> 2) the time taken by one's PC to sort it out and
> display it.

This can be an issue on slower computers, if the message index is very large.

> My magic globe rotates briefly, at the same time the > progress bar at the bottom rapidly fills. That is
> time 1) I think...

Correct.

> Then there is an awful pause, before anything
> displays. That is my PC digesting the gutful which
> you have sent me.

Correct again.

> Perhaps you could confirm my analysis, Karl,

Confirmed on Karl's behalf.

> then people can sort out where the big delay is.

Working on it :)