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.