OK guys here are some times for you. I think I am doing OK.
From a press of the power button to the desktop with all start up programs loaded and internet conected - 1 minute, 33 seconds.
Firefox from program launch to a open web page - 18 seconds.
Google Chrome from program launch to a open web page - 22 seconds.
Internet Explorer 9 from program launch to a open web page - 8 seconds.
iTunes from program launch to being able to play music - 19 seconds.
Microsoft Word program launch to being able to use Word - 7 seconds.
Perhaps I thought the system was taking longer. These times look good to me.