There is something that can help. Install "agps-ui". When you run it you have the opportunity to mark your general location on a world map. This helps because your GPS will now only try to connect satellites that can be seen from your location. It works for me but it still takes longer than many stand alone GPSs do. Make sure that in the control panel you've enabled GPS. If you wish you can purchase a bluetooth GPS receiver which has no display and pair with it.