Wintech's important definitions:

Local Talk

The network hardware that , until recently, was built into all Macintosh computers.  It uses the AppleTalk protocol to offer network services. Speed for local talk: 230kbps (kilobits/sec)

 

PRAM (parameter RAM)

A small amount of RAM on a macintosh used to store basic system settings, such as display, networking, serial port, and startup disk.  Zapping the PRAM (option+command+"P"+"R" during boot) is the act of clearing this portion of RAM to eliminate erratic system problems.

 

Rebuilding the Desktop (option + command during boot)

The Mac OS finder keeps information on file icons, documents, and the programs that launch them using desktop files.  These files are marked by the finder as "invisible".  If the desktop file becomes corrupted for any reason like a system crash, icons may become white-colored documents and an application cannot be found for that type of file.
Apple recomends: turn off all system extensions in the extensions manager except for Mac OS easy open (file exchange in Mac OS 8.5+) then rebuild it.