Fine Tune Linux for Desktop

Setting hda DMA on and making it 32bit
hdparm -t /dev/sda (Check perfomance after passing below arguments)
hdparm -c 1 /dev/sda
hdparm -d 1 /dev/sda

Nice Performing Borders
gconftool-2 --type string --set /apps/metacity/general/theme Atlanta
Disable Gnome Splash
gconftool-2 --type bool --set /apps/gnome-session/options/show_splash_screen false

Manipulate SWAP
sudo cat /proc/sys/vm/swappiness
sudo sysctl -w vm.swappiness=100
Add 'vm.swappiness=100' or more in vim /etc/sysctl.conf depend upon available SWAP
Add 'vm.swappiness=10' in vim /etc/sysctl.conf if high RAM

Source
Part I http://www.linuxjournal.com/article/8308
Part II http://www.linuxjournal.com/article/8317
Part III http://www.linuxjournal.com/article/8322