is there any way to get Vegas 8 to start up faster, mine takes 30-40 sec, or so

Try turning off or un-installing the Media Manager.

Are we talking about an empty, new Vegas project? No previous media in the project? Yes? Loading a much media-laden Vegas project certainly takes some time. If there is a need to rebuild waveform files and general searching for stuff - yes, I can accept that.

My QUADie with 2 gb of fast RAM, PC is not connected to the INTERNET so I don't need to have any anti virus software permanently scanning & running. If you have this situation consider removing the PC from a modem and close down any anti virus software. But I have also been told that with the new fast QUADs this should NOT make a difference.

OK, after an initial first time loading of Vegas Pro8, any subsequent loads of Vegas in that session takes about 5 to 10 seconds. However, mine takes 30-40 seconds on the first daily loading. I wonder if this holds up against other NLEs?

PS: I am running Media Manager all the time. 30-40 seconds once at the start of the day? I can live with that, if at the same time I can save creative time searching and developing ideas by USING Media Manager!

PPS: In prefs turn OFF the start-up splash screen!