debian/ubuntu users that own nvidia graphics can dramatically boost their performance by editing /etc/X11/xorg.conf
just copy paste following in sections “Module” and “Device”

Section “Module”
Load           “dbe”
Load           “extmod”
Load           “type1”
Load           “freetype”
Load           “dri”
Load           “glx”
EndSection

Section “Device”
Option         “AllowGLXWithComposite” “true”
Option         “TripleBuffer” “true”
Option         “BackingStore” “True”
Option         “UseEvents” “False”
Option         “DamageEvents” “True”
Option         “AddARGBGLXVisuals” “True”
Option         “RenderAccel” “True”
Option         “XAANoOffscreenPixmaps”
EndSection

save and restart X server. U can see results by minimizing and maximizing windows, switching desktops + using compiz extra effects (those effects which slowed your computer so far).