One quick way to speed up launching internet explorer is to not set a home page.  By using a blank home page internet explorer does not have to use additional cpu time and uses the hard drive less.  After all most of the time you want to go to a different site right away so it is not going to affect your productivity at all.

1. Launch Internet Explorer.
2. Select the Tools from the menu bar.
3. Then select Internet Options... from the drop down menu.
4. Once the internet options has loaded click on the general tab.
5. Under the home page section click the use blank button.
6. Click OK