> subsequent load times may be 1 second! I've seen this with several
> databases, all are between 30-60 MB in size on Firebird 1 and 1.5. I
> have 1 GB of RAM, and am running Windows XP. If it's relevant, I'm
> using Norton 2003.
>

You work under XP, so you ought so exclude *.gdb files from being treated as
important system files, meaning that XP makes a backup whenever the file is
"touched" for the first time.
Look for the hidden file FileList.xml in C:\WINDOWS\system32\Restore, delete
the line <REC>GDB</REC> and save the file.
Alternatively, name your databasefile *.fdb

As for the OP, I'd guess there's an online virus checker at work.

Florian