How do you speed up logging in?

[LastWords]

I'm curious as to how to speed up the logging in process for multiple W2k machines/users. What does logging in depend on and what steps can be taken to speed things up. DNS, Processor, RAM , etc are elements to consider but what else???

Any suggestions or tips will be appreciated. by Lastwords,

Maentwrog (n.Welsh): Celtic word for a computer spelling mistake.

 

[welshguy]

This probably has two components - machine startup and user login - with different options.

Here's the user component.

To start off here's a very brief summary of user login process.

1: User type in Username/password
2: AD server authenticates - if Userid and password valid - login commences.
3: If user has roaming profile - "Loading User settings" appears on screen as profile is downloaded.
4: User based Group Policy settings are applied from AD -
-"Applying User settings" displayed.
5: If user has offline folders - these are synchronised.
6: Logon scripts processed (note asynch or synch mode for these affects time)
User is logged on !

Now this is very basic - but might start a list of useful suggestions.

My thoughts ...

Size of roaming profile if used - step 3(this makes a big difference)
No. of group policies applied and settings to be processed(if 4 is taking a long time)
Offline files - number and size of files.

There are loads of other things involved but these effect specific users.

I'm sure others have suggestions

Cheers