ExTREMEly s--l--o--w performance

I'm running OS 10.3.9 on a PowerBook G4 with 512 RAM to work on files for print. I'm experiencing unbelievably slow performance when attempting to open files. Worst when opening photoshop files, but also creeps when trying to open Quark files or perfrom a search.
I repaired permissions last week, which seemed to help for a day or two. I tried closing all unnecessary programs, but it doesn't seem to make a difference. Can't force quit the slow programs (not responding). Have to power down to get away from that infuriating spinning beach ball.
Haven't added/updated anything recently, so hard to believe it's a RAM issue since it has always worked fine in the past. Just last month or so that it's performing poorly.
Any suggestions? I'm growing old waiting on this thing to process.
G5; G4 PowerBook    

Hi PrintTech,
you might want to try this first: Mac OS X 10.3/10.4: System maintenance.
If this doees not help, continue here: MacOS X 10.3 Panther: Basic trouble-shooting

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