Windows--Recognize multi-core processors

Make sure your dual core or quad core processor is being 'fully recognized' by the windows operating system.  If your system seems too slow for that fancy multi-core processor or if you just want to check here's how:
Click on Start, type 'msconfig.exe' in the search box and hit enter.  Select the 'boot' tab from the 'System Configuration' window, then 'Advanced' options and you should see this menu:

Just make sure the Number of processors drop down menu includes the same number as your computer/processor has and that the check box is checked.  There are other settings to play with if you dare...but that takes care of Windows seeing all the cores in your processor and if it wasn't showing your full potential you will notice a performance improvement.