simple but effective:
surf to "about:config" (in address bar)
find and modify the following:
1.) network.http.pipelining
2.) network.http.pipelining.firstrequest
3.) network.http.pipelining.maxrequests
4.) network.http.proxy.pipelining
set #3 to something like 32 and #1, #2 and #4 to true (by double clicking and changing the value).
Poof, speeds up your browser by a considerable amount.
Peruse the about:config for your own experimenting pleasure. Perhaps you'll find other hidden gems. Here is a comprehensive list of what each item is for.
:)
