Best Way To Preload

Hello, I’ve got a quick question. I’m wondering if any one is willing to share their opinions of the best way to preload both the root/main .swf and external content, such as other .swf pages. Right now I’m doing a Tween/AS preloader in what is set up like scene 1 and after preloader is done it goes to the main content in scene 2.

I notice sometimes when I goto load the site, it takes a second to pull up the preloader. Is this because its in the same .swf as the main.swf? Should I have a seperate .swf just for the preloader and preload the main content into a container?

Or is the preloader the way I’m already doing it best?

Thanks!