optimization for Recording

[massbiz]

I record on my PC using Sonar as a hobby. I was a drummer for 13 years and switched to keyboard when my son was born 5 years ago. I am not concerned with "professional" quality. My system starts really acting up and the recording stops functioning due to lack of "system resources".
I have a P4 1.7GHz processor
512MB mem
SB Audigy Platinum
Intel Motherboard (not sure of model off hand)

I am running a network, and I have DSL on both computers.

I am wondering if anyone knows of how I can optimize my computer for recording in Sonar OR is there some procedure I can do each time before recording to free up resources???

Like I said this is a hobby (relaxation - love of music) so I do not want to spend a bunch of money to solve this issue - however I can justify spending some if I absolutely must.-
HELP!!!

[NDD]

Welcome to SysOpt ! :)

First of all - install WinXP, if you still ain't got it. A MUST over Win9x, its memory management is a lot better.
Big and fast 7200rpm with at least 2mb cache HD would be nice.
512MB RAM should be enough, but more is always better :)
Latest drivers for all your hardware is also highly adviced ...

Good luck :)