I've been taking notes. The best websites load in about 10 seconds at 28.8 kps . All sorts of things affect download times, but the bottom line is that nobody is going to wait ages for your page to appear on their computer 1 . They'll just click on over to your competition. Well, most people still surf at 28.8.
Most people have small monitors.
And since studies prove that on the web visitors look for text, not graphics , make clear, strong text available right away. That will keep them interested while the graphics load. Only use graphics if they help prospects understand what they are looking for or convey information that can't be done effectively through text. And keep those as simple as possible so they load quickly. Avoid scrolling if you possibly can , but if you must use it, use vertical scrolling only, never horizontal, and place the most important information above the scrolling line.