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How to speed-up broadbandWhen you first switched from dialup to broadband the speed was amazing, wasn’t it? But what about now? If your broadband connection seems slower than it should, try these tips to speed it up:
One of the most common causes of slow broadband connections involves having too many programs simultaneously using the connection. Many programs such as Windows Update, your antivirus application, online backup programs, and Skype periodically (sometimes continuously) use your Internet connection. These examples illustrate legitimate programs carrying out legitimate functions. After all, you want the updates, right? However, you can schedule many of these processes to take place after hours or when the computer is idle. In addition to legitimate bandwidth users, your computer could have malware that is using your broadband connection to carry out malicious deeds without your knowledge. For example, the notorious Conficker worm turns infected computers into robots that are often used to send out large amounts of spam messages. Rule out malware by updating your antivirus/antispyware program and running a complete system scan. You can manually stop programs that are running by right-clicking the Taskbar and choosing Task Manager. Examine both the Applications and Processes tab and stop those that you do not need running at the moment. Adjust Router Settings If your computer is connected to a router, double check the router’s settings against the recommended settings offered by your ISP. The recommended settings should be listed on your ISP’s support Web site. If not, call your ISP and ask for help. While you’re at it, ask about upgrades. It’s not unusual for ISPs to offer several plans, each offering different connection speeds. Upgrade Web Browser If you’re using an older version of Internet Explorer, consider making the switch to Internet Explorer 8. Not only have many new features been added, Internet 8 is more efficient at downloading Web pages than its earlier versions. Secure Your Wireless Network If you have a wireless network, other local computer users (perhaps your neighbors) can detect it with their wireless computers. If it’s unsecured, these same users can connect to it and use your Internet connection! Not only are you giving your neighbors free Internet access, when others use your connection, they are slowing down its performance. Refer to your router’s user’s manual and secure it from others. Switch to a Wired Connection Wireless broadband connections are terrific for when you need to use your computer in a room far from the cable or DSL jack. However, they are generally slower than direct connections into the modem. If possible, move your desk so that it’s closer to the jack and use a wired connection instead of wireless when working at your desk. Switch to wireless as needed such as when you move your laptop into another room for a change of scenery. These are a few basic broadband speed improvements that you can implement on your own. Other steps include upgrading your modem, using Web accelerator software, and moving your wireless computer closer to the wireless modem.
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