Over time, internet speeds can slow down due to a number of factors. If you do not take the necessary steps to increase your internet speed, then it will most likely only get slower and slower. Of course, if you work online or need to use the internet on a regular basis, then this can become quite a hassle for you. Many times you will wind up paying for internet speeds that you never get to take advantage of, often being promised 3G speeds, and only receiving 2G speeds. It is not the fault of your internet service provider, but rather the issue lies within your own computer. Following this tutorial will allow you to increase the speed at which your computer connects to the internet. Of course there are other things that can be done to increase internet speed, but this tutorial will cover the basics of increasing internet speed.
Increasing Internet Speed
1. First you will need to find out from your Internet Service Provider (ISP) what Internet connection speed you’re paying for. Make sure the speed your paying for is the speed that is programmed into their network. Sometimes clerical errors can be made causing you to pay for internet speeds that are not even being released to your modem. It is always good to ensure you are getting what you pay for from your ISP before beginning the speed testing.
2. Next, Go to Speedtest.net and test your Internet connection speed. Follow the instructions on the homepage to test the speed of your internet connection. Once you have received the results of your speed test, make sure you write them down or save them to a text file on your computer. Save the file as “ Internet Speed Test” or something similar.
3. Now you will need to compare the speed that you are supposed to be receiving with the results of the speed test. If the speed test shows that you are getting the speeds you’re paying for then you do not need to go any further. If you’re not getting the speeds you’re paying for then continue on to the next step.
4. Sometimes add-ons can slow down your Internet connection speed. Try disabling all of your browser’s add-ons. If you’re using Internet Explorer, then go to Tools, and select Manage Add-ons, and look at what Add-ons are enabled. Disable them one at a time to see which ones are using up most of your browser’s resources. The problem with your internet speed may lie within the browser.
5. This next step should be obvious to most people. You’ll need to run anti-virus, adware, spyware, and malware scans. Any kind of virus whatsoever may consume some of your computer’s internet speed, so it is important that you rule out any possible viruses.
6. Next run Disk Cleanup and Disk Defragmenter from your computer’s System Tools menu.
7. A good way to increase your computer’s internet connection is by using TCP Optimizer software to optimize your PC’s RWIN (Receive Window) values, MTU (Maximum Transmission Unit) values, and broadband-related registry keys.
8. Finally, once you have completed all seven steps above, retest your internet connection speed. You should notice a significant difference in your internet connection speed.