If you have a rather content heavy homepage set in your browser in which you are really only interested in headlines (for example slashdot.org), if the page offers it, consider using their RSS feed as your homepage. This way you get all the benefit of reading headlines and a brief summary and the option to click in order to read more without loading the graphics and formatting. You will probably find the RSS feed significantly faster than loading the standard page.

It’s very easy to do:

1. Locate and click the RSS feed link on the page.
2. Copy the URL while viewing the RSS feed.
3. Open your browser options dialog and set the RSS feed as your homepage.