Do Some Basic Maintenance on Your PC
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Do some basic maintenance on your PC. Run Disk Defrag, a scan disk, a virus scan, a malware scan, and clear your recycle bin. An unusually slow Internet connection experience is often the only sign that your computer is infected with viruses or other malware. Delete old files and temporary files. Never allow the free space on your C: drive to be less than 10% of the total size or twice the installed RAM (which ever is larger). A well maintained PC will operate much better than a PC that has never had any maintenance. Google or your local computer repair store should be able to help you with this if you don't know how or you can use any good system cleaner and PC optimizer tool for free such as [Registry Cleaner and Wise Disk Cleaner] or purchase something. Reset Your Home Network. Sometimes restarting (or unplugging and replugging the electric power on) your home network or your router -- if you have one -- will drastically increase the speed of your connection. Check your home network equipment in general. If you have multiple computers sharing a connection, make sure all the computers are physically connected to a router or switch, and not just to a hub. Hubs are "dumb", low-level equipment, while routers are capable of prioritizing and directing traffic effectively. Optimize your cache or temporary Internet files. These files improve your Internet connection performance by not downloading the same file over and over. When a web site puts their logo graphic on every page your computer only downloads a new one when it changes.
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Caution: If you delete the temporary files (graphics and such), they must be downloaded again when you go to that site. If you disable the cache (loaded software, data), then it must be downloaded every time you view the page that uses it. This can be fixed by opening Internet Explorer, clicking on "Tools" at the top and choosing "Internet Options". On the General tab, click the "Settings" button next to Temporary Internet Files. Set a check mark for newer versions to handle downloading new versions "Automatically". Set the amount of disk space to use to 2% of your total harddisk size or 512 MB, which ever is smaller. On Firefox, click "Tools" then "Options," and go to the privacy tab. Then click on the Cache tab within this to set it to automatic. If you are using a Wireless router, make sure it doesn't conflict with a cordless phone or wireless camera. Wireless routers come in three varieties; 802.11 b, g, and n (2.4Ghz) or 802.11 a (5.8Ghz) If you are using a 2.4Ghz Cordless phone and 2.4Ghz Wireless router then your Internet connection speed will slow while you use the cordless phone. The same is true of wireless security cameras. Check on your phone and camera, if it's 900 MHz then it's fine. If it says 2.4Ghz or 5.8Ghz then it could be the cause of your slow connection speed while they're in use. Call your Internet service provider (ISP). Sometimes you just have bad service. They can usually tell if your connection is substandard without having a technician come to your home. Just be nice and ask. Upgrade your computer. If your computer is slow, it doesn't matter how fast your Internet connection is, the whole thing will just seem slow. You can only access the Internet as fast as your PC will allow you to. Upgrade your router/firewall equipment. Specifically, look into any speed specifications (many older routers are not capable of transmitting to/from the internet faster than 10 Mbps, even though the local ports transmit in 100 Mbps). Also, older routers may be underpowered, so that even though the theoretical speed is 10 Mbps, the processor on the router is too weak to reach maximum speed.
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10. Upgrade your router firmware. Check the manufacturer's web site for firmware downloads
for your router. Compare this with your version, and upgrade if necessary. Most routers have web interfaces for managing this, check for any labels on your router specifying default address, username and password.
11. Replace your old cable modem. Any solid-state electronics will degrade over time due to
accumulated heat damage. Your broadband modem will have a harder and harder time 'concentrating' on maintaining a good connection as it gets older (signal to noise ratios will go down, and the number of resend requests for the same packet will go up). An after-market cable modem as opposed to a cable-company modem will frequently offer a better connection. Often your connection speed is slow because other programs are using it. To test if other programs, such as anti-virus and other updates, are accessing the Internet without your knowing, Click Start, Click Run. Type "cmd" (without quotes). Type "netstat -b 5 > activity.txt". After a minute or so, hold down Ctrl and press C. This has created a file with a list of all programs using your Internet connection. Type activity.txt to open the file and view the program list.
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13. Try pressing Ctrl-Alt-Delete simultaneously and open up the Task Manager. Go to the
process menu and close those processes that may be stealing your valuable bandwidth. (NOTE: Closing processes with unknown filenames may cause known programs to not function properly). There is a column with the User Name, and if that is "System", you'd better leave it alone until you stop using the program that needs it. But if the User is your own login name, then it is not crucial to the operating system, but may be needed by other programs, however you may experiment. Often the system will not allow closing of -- or will reopen -needed system programs.
14. After you have tried some of this try your connection again and see if it's running any
faster. If it is better you may need to close those extras each time you restart your system until you set the startup list to not open them anymore. 15
15. Check to see somebody else is using the internet on your home network. If somebody is
downloading a lot of media from the internet, such as watching video or downloading large files, the host computer is using a lot of bandwidth and the other computers are using the remaining bandwidth. If you are using satellite internet, your internet connection might be altered because of wind (vibrations) and electrical activity in/among clouds, heavy snow, or rain and lightning, static, or other electrical interference.
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10 Simple Tips to Help You Speed Up Your Broadband Internet Connection Speed
Here's how you can boost your Internet connection speed simply by making a few basic, low-cost or no-cost changes:
Wireless Broadband Speed Booster Tip 1: Switch Off Your PC and Broadband Router, Wait 1 Minute, Then Switch Both Back on Again
If your broadband speed seems to have slowed recently, remember, electronic devices can over time simply become what can perhaps best be described as "muddled". Sometimes, the simplest solution can fix apparently complex problems. By switching off your PC and your broadband router box and then switching on again, you can reset all of the microprocessors they contain to the same starting point. That action in itself can sometimes boost your broadband speed back to previous levels.
Wireless Broadband Speed Booster Tip 2: Put your Wireless Router in The Same Room as Your PC
Here's why: even though electronic signals flowing between your wireless router box and your PC can travel through walls and ceilings, move your PC to the same room as your wireless router. Why: each wall or ceiling is a barrier that can reduce the strength of the wireless signal between your router and your PC. If you have several walls or ceilings between your router and your PC, each barrier can progressively reduce the strength of the link between the two.
Wireless Broadband Speed Booster Tip 3: Place Your Wireless Rooter Near to Your PC
Imagine for a moment that both your wireless router and PC have fully functioning eyes: if they can "see" each other, and the only barrier barrier
between them is a little air space, then you can help maximize your broadband speed.
Wireless Broadband Speed Booster Tip 4: Make Sure Your Wireless Router Aerial is Positioned Vertically
The link between your PC and wireless router box can be likened to a metal chain: you can break or affect the link in different ways. A number of factors can affect the strength of the link. Even something as simple as your router box aerial being angled or not vertical can reduce or even prevent the link between PC and router.
Wireless Broadband Speed Booster Tip 5: Make Sure the Phone Cable That Connects Your Broadband Router Box to Your Phone Socket is as Short as Possible
If you're using a "spare" longer phone lead that is really designed for use as a phone extension lead, replace it with a standard short lead - ideally, the same type that would have come with your router.
Wireless Broadband Speed Booster Tip 6: Use the Correct Microfilters
Microfilters can help clean up phone line interference. If your broadband installation comes with microfilter connectors designed to be used between your phone socket and the phone lead that connects to your router box, make sure you're using a microfilter for each connection. Also, make sure you're using the correct type of microfilter: check with your provider if not sure.
Wireless Broadband Speed Booster Tip 7: If Any Wires Are draped Over or Near Your Wireless Router Box, Move Those Wires Away
Wires that carry electrical currents and electronic signals can create electrical field interference when placed close to other electronic devices. Any additional interference can affect wireless connection speeds. Therefore, if your printer, scanner or PC mains cable or other connecting cables are situated too close to,
or touching your wireless router box, try rerouting or repositioning your away from your wireless broadband router box.
Wireless Broadband Speed Booster Tip 8: Keep Your Broadband Internet Connection Private
If you don't secure your own connection, others close to your location could also be using your wi-fi broadband connection to access the Internet. Usually, that means, your own Internet connection speed can decrease since more devices are using the same resource and the speed capability has to be shared across multiple items. How to fix: make sure your broadband connection uses a password that is unique to your installation. See your broadband router documentation. Two common security systems include:
•
WEP (Wired Equivalent Privacy): standard security used by most computers and wireless routers, and ...
•
WPA (Wi-Fi Protected Access): strong security - the preferred option. The best password connections uses WPA.
Whichever network security option you choose, do remember that all devices that are connected to your network: PCs, printers, scanners, etc. - must be able to use the same security system: WEP or WPA. That means, if you want to use the stronger level of security provided by WPA, but your existing printer only supports WEP, then you would either have to use WEP or change your printer to one that supports WPA.
Wireless Broadband Speed Booster Tip 9: Ensure that Only the Minimum Number of Software Programs You Have Running Access the Internet at the Same Time
Re-examine how many different programs you have that may be accessing the Internet at the same time. Imagine a scenario where you have an Internet Explorer v7.x web browser open with over 6 tabs active on 6 different websites, plus Microsoft Outlook email program open, plus Microsoft Word documents running in the background, and so on.
Every addition means your PC must work harder to maintain the same level of response using up your PC's memory and processing power - both of which are also required by your web browser. Sometimes, your broadband speed may not be affected, however, since your PC may have to work harder, it's response can slow down, which can essentially lead to the same symptom of slow broadband Internet connection speed. Therefore ideally, keep to one open web browser, with 5 or fewer active tabs and one email program at a time.
Wireless Broadband Speed Booster Tip 10: Download Large Files When the Internet is "Quieter"
Video and music files can be large and downloading large files puts the most stress on any Internet connection speed. The more people that may be using the Internet or the same Internet resource that you're also using, means that the same resources must be shared among more people. You can improve download speed and response by choosing to download large files later in the evening, earlier in the morning, or even overnight. Certainly avoid peak times like 8am - 10am mornings, and 4pm - 6pm in the evenings.
Do some basic maintenance on your PC. Run Disk Defrag, a scan disk, a virus scan, a malware scan, and clear your recycle bin. An unusually slow Internet connection experience is often the only sign that your computer is infected with viruses or other malware. Delete old files and temporary files. Never allow the free space on your C: drive to be less than 10% of the total size or twice the installed RAM (which ever is larger). A well maintained PC will operate much better than a PC that has never had any maintenance. Google or your local computer repair store should be able to help you with this if you don't know how or you can use any good system cleaner and PC optimizer tool for free such as [Registry Cleaner and Wise Disk Cleaner] or purchase something. Reset Your Home Network. Sometimes restarting (or unplugging and replugging the electric power on) your home network or your router -- if you have one -- will drastically increase the speed of your connection. Check your home network equipment in general. If you have multiple computers sharing a connection, make sure all the computers are physically connected to a router or switch, and not just to a hub. Hubs are "dumb", low-level equipment, while routers are capable of prioritizing and directing traffic effectively. Optimize your cache or temporary Internet files. These files improve your Internet connection performance by not downloading the same file over and over. When a web site puts their logo graphic on every page your computer only downloads a new one when it changes.
2. 3.
4.
5.
Caution: If you delete the temporary files (graphics and such), they must be downloaded again when you go to that site. If you disable the cache (loaded software, data), then it must be downloaded every time you view the page that uses it. This can be fixed by opening Internet Explorer, clicking on "Tools" at the top and choosing "Internet Options". On the General tab, click the "Settings" button next to Temporary Internet Files. Set a check mark for newer versions to handle downloading new versions "Automatically". Set the amount of disk space to use to 2% of your total harddisk size or 512 MB, which ever is smaller. On Firefox, click "Tools" then "Options," and go to the privacy tab. Then click on the Cache tab within this to set it to automatic. If you are using a Wireless router, make sure it doesn't conflict with a cordless phone or wireless camera. Wireless routers come in three varieties; 802.11 b, g, and n (2.4Ghz) or 802.11 a (5.8Ghz) If you are using a 2.4Ghz Cordless phone and 2.4Ghz Wireless router then your Internet connection speed will slow while you use the cordless phone. The same is true of wireless security cameras. Check on your phone and camera, if it's 900 MHz then it's fine. If it says 2.4Ghz or 5.8Ghz then it could be the cause of your slow connection speed while they're in use. Call your Internet service provider (ISP). Sometimes you just have bad service. They can usually tell if your connection is substandard without having a technician come to your home. Just be nice and ask. Upgrade your computer. If your computer is slow, it doesn't matter how fast your Internet connection is, the whole thing will just seem slow. You can only access the Internet as fast as your PC will allow you to. Upgrade your router/firewall equipment. Specifically, look into any speed specifications (many older routers are not capable of transmitting to/from the internet faster than 10 Mbps, even though the local ports transmit in 100 Mbps). Also, older routers may be underpowered, so that even though the theoretical speed is 10 Mbps, the processor on the router is too weak to reach maximum speed.
6.
7. 8. 9.
10. Upgrade your router firmware. Check the manufacturer's web site for firmware downloads
for your router. Compare this with your version, and upgrade if necessary. Most routers have web interfaces for managing this, check for any labels on your router specifying default address, username and password.
11. Replace your old cable modem. Any solid-state electronics will degrade over time due to
accumulated heat damage. Your broadband modem will have a harder and harder time 'concentrating' on maintaining a good connection as it gets older (signal to noise ratios will go down, and the number of resend requests for the same packet will go up). An after-market cable modem as opposed to a cable-company modem will frequently offer a better connection. Often your connection speed is slow because other programs are using it. To test if other programs, such as anti-virus and other updates, are accessing the Internet without your knowing, Click Start, Click Run. Type "cmd" (without quotes). Type "netstat -b 5 > activity.txt". After a minute or so, hold down Ctrl and press C. This has created a file with a list of all programs using your Internet connection. Type activity.txt to open the file and view the program list.
12.
13. Try pressing Ctrl-Alt-Delete simultaneously and open up the Task Manager. Go to the
process menu and close those processes that may be stealing your valuable bandwidth. (NOTE: Closing processes with unknown filenames may cause known programs to not function properly). There is a column with the User Name, and if that is "System", you'd better leave it alone until you stop using the program that needs it. But if the User is your own login name, then it is not crucial to the operating system, but may be needed by other programs, however you may experiment. Often the system will not allow closing of -- or will reopen -needed system programs.
14. After you have tried some of this try your connection again and see if it's running any
faster. If it is better you may need to close those extras each time you restart your system until you set the startup list to not open them anymore. 15
15. Check to see somebody else is using the internet on your home network. If somebody is
downloading a lot of media from the internet, such as watching video or downloading large files, the host computer is using a lot of bandwidth and the other computers are using the remaining bandwidth. If you are using satellite internet, your internet connection might be altered because of wind (vibrations) and electrical activity in/among clouds, heavy snow, or rain and lightning, static, or other electrical interference.
16.
10 Simple Tips to Help You Speed Up Your Broadband Internet Connection Speed
Here's how you can boost your Internet connection speed simply by making a few basic, low-cost or no-cost changes:
Wireless Broadband Speed Booster Tip 1: Switch Off Your PC and Broadband Router, Wait 1 Minute, Then Switch Both Back on Again
If your broadband speed seems to have slowed recently, remember, electronic devices can over time simply become what can perhaps best be described as "muddled". Sometimes, the simplest solution can fix apparently complex problems. By switching off your PC and your broadband router box and then switching on again, you can reset all of the microprocessors they contain to the same starting point. That action in itself can sometimes boost your broadband speed back to previous levels.
Wireless Broadband Speed Booster Tip 2: Put your Wireless Router in The Same Room as Your PC
Here's why: even though electronic signals flowing between your wireless router box and your PC can travel through walls and ceilings, move your PC to the same room as your wireless router. Why: each wall or ceiling is a barrier that can reduce the strength of the wireless signal between your router and your PC. If you have several walls or ceilings between your router and your PC, each barrier can progressively reduce the strength of the link between the two.
Wireless Broadband Speed Booster Tip 3: Place Your Wireless Rooter Near to Your PC
Imagine for a moment that both your wireless router and PC have fully functioning eyes: if they can "see" each other, and the only barrier barrier
between them is a little air space, then you can help maximize your broadband speed.
Wireless Broadband Speed Booster Tip 4: Make Sure Your Wireless Router Aerial is Positioned Vertically
The link between your PC and wireless router box can be likened to a metal chain: you can break or affect the link in different ways. A number of factors can affect the strength of the link. Even something as simple as your router box aerial being angled or not vertical can reduce or even prevent the link between PC and router.
Wireless Broadband Speed Booster Tip 5: Make Sure the Phone Cable That Connects Your Broadband Router Box to Your Phone Socket is as Short as Possible
If you're using a "spare" longer phone lead that is really designed for use as a phone extension lead, replace it with a standard short lead - ideally, the same type that would have come with your router.
Wireless Broadband Speed Booster Tip 6: Use the Correct Microfilters
Microfilters can help clean up phone line interference. If your broadband installation comes with microfilter connectors designed to be used between your phone socket and the phone lead that connects to your router box, make sure you're using a microfilter for each connection. Also, make sure you're using the correct type of microfilter: check with your provider if not sure.
Wireless Broadband Speed Booster Tip 7: If Any Wires Are draped Over or Near Your Wireless Router Box, Move Those Wires Away
Wires that carry electrical currents and electronic signals can create electrical field interference when placed close to other electronic devices. Any additional interference can affect wireless connection speeds. Therefore, if your printer, scanner or PC mains cable or other connecting cables are situated too close to,
or touching your wireless router box, try rerouting or repositioning your away from your wireless broadband router box.
Wireless Broadband Speed Booster Tip 8: Keep Your Broadband Internet Connection Private
If you don't secure your own connection, others close to your location could also be using your wi-fi broadband connection to access the Internet. Usually, that means, your own Internet connection speed can decrease since more devices are using the same resource and the speed capability has to be shared across multiple items. How to fix: make sure your broadband connection uses a password that is unique to your installation. See your broadband router documentation. Two common security systems include:
•
WEP (Wired Equivalent Privacy): standard security used by most computers and wireless routers, and ...
•
WPA (Wi-Fi Protected Access): strong security - the preferred option. The best password connections uses WPA.
Whichever network security option you choose, do remember that all devices that are connected to your network: PCs, printers, scanners, etc. - must be able to use the same security system: WEP or WPA. That means, if you want to use the stronger level of security provided by WPA, but your existing printer only supports WEP, then you would either have to use WEP or change your printer to one that supports WPA.
Wireless Broadband Speed Booster Tip 9: Ensure that Only the Minimum Number of Software Programs You Have Running Access the Internet at the Same Time
Re-examine how many different programs you have that may be accessing the Internet at the same time. Imagine a scenario where you have an Internet Explorer v7.x web browser open with over 6 tabs active on 6 different websites, plus Microsoft Outlook email program open, plus Microsoft Word documents running in the background, and so on.
Every addition means your PC must work harder to maintain the same level of response using up your PC's memory and processing power - both of which are also required by your web browser. Sometimes, your broadband speed may not be affected, however, since your PC may have to work harder, it's response can slow down, which can essentially lead to the same symptom of slow broadband Internet connection speed. Therefore ideally, keep to one open web browser, with 5 or fewer active tabs and one email program at a time.
Wireless Broadband Speed Booster Tip 10: Download Large Files When the Internet is "Quieter"
Video and music files can be large and downloading large files puts the most stress on any Internet connection speed. The more people that may be using the Internet or the same Internet resource that you're also using, means that the same resources must be shared among more people. You can improve download speed and response by choosing to download large files later in the evening, earlier in the morning, or even overnight. Certainly avoid peak times like 8am - 10am mornings, and 4pm - 6pm in the evenings.
