Does the use of linked images on a webpage slow loading speed?
By linked images, I mean having an image in a directory and giving the path to the image in order to set an objects display or background.  I've noticed that since using this method, my page is taking a considerable amount of time to load.  So if this is the issue, what would be the alternative?

Thanks 
Does the use of linked images on a webpage slow loading speed?
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By linked images, I mean having an image in a directory and giving the path to the image in order to set an objects display or background.  I've noticed that since using this method, my page is taking a considerable amount of time to load.  So if this is the issue, what would be the alternative?

Thanks 