optimizing ubuntu for old PC

[smogsy]

im looking to optimize Linux i just installed it on a mates laptop as windows was fubared.

Plus it took me 4 hours to install it as the CD drive is also fubared..

anyway the Laptop is PIII 256MB Ram 20GB HDD

it boot up fairly fast but im looking to optimize it futher for him.
(he thinks the laptop is screwed atm)

is there like a Set System for Best Performance option like on windows in ubuntu?

im looking to keep the GUI as hes never used linux before ty.

 

[smogsy]

tbh i don't really want to spend another 4 hours installing linux the laptop can hardly power the CD drive its running at like 0.25x speed & seems not have power to run one usb port either..