Vista - Gig increase for faster working responce

Hi, I am a non-programmer but with a wish to work a bit faster. i just
invested in a dual core 1.86 with 1 gig ram. I then upgraded to 2 gig and
the speed has not changed. I was told that the system reserves the percentage
regardless of what you have for ram.. i am not sure if that is true as it
does not make much sence, hopefully i can tool it so that i have quicker
responce. i do not play games, i work with QB and powerpoint, and excell
just basic stuff but work quickly and need the speed. my XP 1.6 1 gig was
faster... so i am a bit confused. Please assist.

Also is it possible to turn off the creditial manager, it is nervy...

thanks
James