Technology | Broadband Exchange

Determining your Internet connection speed through an online test

Have you ever wondered how fast your Internet really connects? There is a great way for you to check your computer’s performance against how fast your Internet service provider says your Internet connection should be. One way to test your speed is to use an online speed test such as speedtest.net.

To determine what online speed test you should use, you will want to pick a registry that is local to your area. You do not want the test to be half way around the world. Your test results will be flawed.

On speedtest.net, you are able to determine the service or registry closest to you to use. You will have to adjust the settings before running the scan. In the top right hand corner, click Settings, click Preferred Server, and then click Save to change your settings. You will be able to adjust the time zone, date format, speed measurement, and distance measurement all with a click of a button.

Speedtest.net is a simple and quick test. If you are look for a more complete tool, MyConnection PC Lite is the speed test for you. It is a Windows product available for use on their website. Never download any tests from third-party sites. They are breeding ground for viruses.

Before you do your test, you are going to want to know what your theoretical optimum speed is. When you receive your results, you will compare that number to what your ISP tells you it should be. If the upload or download speed is 30 to 50% below that amount, you need to contact your Internet provider. Ask for instruction and tips for improving your Internet speed. It should be wise to run a virus and spy-ware scanner before running a speed test because viruses can affect your Internet and its connection.

Filed Under: Internet, Technology Tagged With: Bandwidth (computing), Internet access, Internet service provider, Speedtest.net

4 ways to improve your wireless connection

Wireless Internet makes one’s life so much easier. However, there are times when the wireless connection just is not working correctly. Here are 10 ways to improve your wireless connection in order to get faster Internet.

First, if your router if not centralized in your home, you should move it. Centralizing your router allows more areas in your home to get a wireless connection on your laptop preventing blind spots around your home. It also prevents people from using your wireless without your permission.

Second, your router should be off the floor and away from walls because the route’s signal can be interrupted. Metal objects such as metal filing cabinets, racks, or desks can also interfere. Keep the router away these objects for a strong signal.

Third, it is possible that your router’s antenna is no longer properly if every room is not getting wireless. The antenna enables the wireless to flow in every room making it possible for everyone to do their homework, watch online shows, and surf the web. If your antenna is facing the wrong way, it could be sending signal in the wrong direction. For a stronger signal, purchasing a hi-gain antenna will push the signal in one general area.

Fourth, if you have a big house, it is possible to extend the length of your wireless capabilities by purchasing wireless repeaters. They work by boosting the signal strength. It needs to be halfway between the wireless access point and the computers that will be using the wireless. ViewSonic, Linksys, and Buffalo Technology are just some of the companies offering wireless repeaters.

These tips make it possible for your wireless Internet to connect smoothly and easier. You do not have worry about your Internet not connecting after applying these steps to your wireless connection. You will have a strong signal every time.

Filed Under: Internet, Technology Tagged With: Linksys, Router, Wireless, Wireless network

Work faster even if your Internet connection is slow

Do you have a slow connection that keeps you from being able to work and surf quickly on the Internet? Have you tried everything you can think of to make your Internet speed work faster but are still seeing no results? Do you live in the country where Internet service provider options are minimal? Here are three tips to increase your working time on the Internet to help make your experience more enjoyable.

First, if you have to email multiple files to a client, family member, or friend, save some time and compress the files. Using this tool is useful because you are putting all of your documents, pictures, or music into a single folder and uploading that folder to an email message. To create a compressed folder, right click on your desktop, move your mouse over New, and click on Compressed (zip) folder. Then to make things faster think about getting a FTP program like FileZilla which is an open source free software for File Transfer Protocol.

Second, if you have to send an email to more than one person, create a group and type in their emails. This will save not only you time when you have to email your contacts again, but also it will cut down on the amount of time your email takes to send out. By simply clicking on your contacts in your Gmail, Yahoo, Hotmail, etc. email, you can click on pre-made contacts to put them into groups.

Third, for Internet connections at are patchy or can be lost throughout the day, consider saving the websites you visit on a regular basis to your computer’s desktop. You probably did not know that by saving it to your computer you are able to look at the site even if your Internet is down. Simply click on the File tab in your browser and click on Save Page As. If you are unable to upgrade to a quicker and better Internet with an Internet service provider, use these times to save you time as you wait for your connection.

Filed Under: Internet, Technology Tagged With: Gmail, Hotmail, Internet service provider, Yahoo, ZIP (file format)

Several troubleshooting tips to help your computer run faster

Your computer was working great a couple of seconds ago but now several programs have frozen and Excel will not open. It is struggle to deal with the “Not Responding” warning when the program was working fine a minute ago. Here are several troubleshooting tips to help your computer run smoother and faster.

If your computer showed an error message, do not fret. Instead, write down the message and Google the error. You will be able to find an explanation and tips on how to fix the problem so it does not happen again. Microsoft offers the Fit It Solution that allows you look for solution to errors.

There is new program called Microsoft Fix it Beta that you can download to your computer. After it installs, you able to sit back, relax, and let the program work for you. It will tell you if you need to make any changes and it updates for you.

Your system could be running slow because you need to clean up your disk space. This is easy to do. To clean up space on your disk, click the Start button, click All Programs, find the Accessories folder, once inside click Disk Cleanup. A box will pop up and you will go through and click any data you do not need on your computer that can be deleted. Once you have picked all of the Files to delete, click OK. This process will make your computer run better. You have the option to delete any temporary Internet files, program files, optional files, Windows temporary files, empty the Recycle Box, and much more.

All of these options give you the ability to make your computer go a little bit faster and clear up some space on your computer for other files and software that you would use.

Filed Under: Internet, Technology Tagged With: Google, Microsoft, Microsoft Windows, Start menu

Tips to make your Internet surfing experience successful and safe

It is hardly possible to go into public and not see someone using their laptop. Wireless hot spots have made it possible to get more work done in situations that are more enjoyable. Instead of putting work off during lunch, you can take your group to lunch and continue working into the lunch hour. It is important to have strong Internet protection set up for computer especially if you are going to download important files. Here are three tips to remember in order to keep your surfing successful, faster, and safe.

First, make sure your computer is protected with virus and spyware prevention security. Wireless connection can be vulnerable to online threats. If you do not connect to a secure wireless connection, you are more at risk for being targeted. Restaurants, libraries, and airports are less likely to have a secured connection because it would make it harder for their customers to use their wireless.

Second, make sure your firewall is up and working before you connect to a wireless connection. Even if you are using a secure file sharing program like Ares Galaxy, a firewall gives you another layer of protection against online threats. If a firewall is turned off, it can lead to various problems to your computer and Internet connection. It is even possible that your online connection can be slowed because of threats.

Third, make it harder for hackers to view your folders by making them private and if possible encrypting them. Window Vista already protects your documents and files when you create and save them. In order to double check your security settings, right click on a folder or document and click Properties. Then click on the Security tab and you are able to look at your settings. It is possible to control who looks at the file and what changes they are able to make to the document. On a Windows XP computer, click on Start and select My Computer. Click the drive and select Documents and Settings. From there go into each folder and then right click document you want private.

Filed Under: Internet, Technology Tagged With: firewall, Security, Windows XP

Comparing the differences of Cable and DSL broadband Internet speeds

Trying to determine the best broadband Internet provider to go with can be confusing and time consuming. There are so many options available, but in order to get faster Internet you need to do a little research before making a final decision. Two of the most common broadband Internet is Cable and DSL. More people are turning to these providers for more options than just TNT or the USA network on Cable. Let us look at the differences between Cable and DSL and how it can affect your Internet speeds.

Comparing the two broadband capabilities, Cable without a doubt usually has a higher promised bandwidth than DSL. Cable sees about 30mbps bandwidth where DSL hardly makes it to 10mbps. Millions of bits per second or mbps is how broadband Internet is measure. The high the mbps the faster the Internet will be. If you are promised a high number, it is important to note that this speed will not always meet the promised high bandwidth. Different circumstances interrupt and keep the bandwidth from performing fast all of the time.

These circumstances affect both Cable and DSL Internet providers like any other Internet provider. Even though Cable is usually promised at a faster bandwidth, it usually does not live up to the promise. Several situations affect Cable that does not interfere with DSL. If too many people are using Cable Internet, it can cause the Internet to be slow. It is similar to countless people trying to log-in into Facebook or Twitter at the same time.

Both Cable and DSL connections can change quickly from one minute to the next. The Internet can be fast, loading pages quickly and then all of a sudden, your browser cannot load the email you just opened. It has a lot to do with too many people trying to get online at the same time.

Filed Under: Internet, Technology Tagged With: Broadband Internet access, Digital Subscriber Line, Facebook, Internet service provider

General computer advice for users with new laptop computers

: Image by Björn Söderqvist via Flickr

It is easy to get a computer from the store, take it out of its packaging, and turn it on in no time. However, there are several steps required for each computer owner to do before using their new computer. These steps are often overlooked but can save you a lot of trouble in the end.

First, it is extremely important to protect your computer from viruses and malicious worms found online. Even before using your computer, make sure to install a virus protection program. In new computers, you can usually find security software that usually requires an online registration. If you have a Mac, you are less likely to have viruses on your computer. However, this does not mean you are completely free from these viruses. Before using your computer, make sure to turn on your firewall software to protect your computer from online worms.

Second, make sure you download any updates from Windows (if you own a Windows computer) or any software updates from Mac (if you have an Apple computer). Make sure you complete the whole installation process.

Third, download Adobe Flash. This will allow you to view websites that run by this software. Visit their website to download the software. Also, remember that Flash will continuously send you updates for this software.

Fourth, delete unnecessary and unneeded software. Most Windows computers come with programs you do not need. Delete them to save some space on your computer that you can use for other things. To do this, go to the “Control Panel” and “Uninstall a Program.”

Fifth, use Vista’s Windows Easy Transfer or Mac’s Migration Assistant when trying to transfer your files from your old computer to your new computer. In addition, it is important to remember regularly to run a defragmentation on your computer to make it work faster.

Filed Under: Internet, Technology Tagged With: Adobe Flash, Computer virus, Microsoft, Windows

Tricks to make your Internet speed and downloading time faster

Image representing Firefox as depicted in Crun...

Image via CrunchBase

Everyone wants a fast computer. No one has time to wait around while your computer is thinking. Because of this, here are some ways you can speed up your computer.

Make sure your computer has a fast CPU. Some even install more than one CPU to speed up the computer’s thinking process. Also, remember that dual and quad core CPUs, which normally have 3.6 gHz, are faster than single CPUs, which gave around 1.6 gHz.

Check your RAM, which is your computer’s memory. A regular Windows PC will have 4 gb of RAM. If your computer is older, it will not have that much and you will have a bad experience with graphic intensive gaming and watching movies on software like vlc media player. If you find that your PC has less than 4 gb, you can buy a higher RAM and install it to your computer.

Remember that different internet browsers work at different speeds. They also come with different features. Some of the internet browsers out there that are common today are Firefox Mozilla, Google Chrome, Internet Explorer and Opera. Choose an internet browser that is fit for you and your needs. Remember that Opera is known for its speed but it is also been watered down. Google Chrome is a new internet browser that has gained popularity for its simplicity and speed. Mozilla Firefox has a lot of add-ons or features. While this may be good for some, it can take a toll on your speed. Remember to close any toolbar that are in your window that you do not use. These toolbars only take up speed. Also, if you find yourself needing these toolbars at any time, you can download and install them again.

Your internet connection will also affect your internet speed. Wireless internet is generally slower than those using Ethernet cables. If there are other devices using your wireless internet, then this will slow your internet speed.

Filed Under: Internet, Software, Technology Tagged With: Google Chrome, Internet access, Internet Explorer, Mozilla Firefox

Various tests to determine your if your Internet speed is too slow

Everyone hates slow internet connections. There are speed tests available that you can use to assess your Internet connection bandwidth. This is important to know before you make changes to your network connections that will give you the increased speed that you want. A speed test gives you an assessment of your network connection’s performance. They use sample data files and test internet servers.

Internet speed is measured by kbps or kilo bites per second. This is based on how 100 bits of information moves by the help of your internet connection. One bit is the smallest measurement of information in the digital world. Remember that 8 bits is made up for one byte of information.

You can go online and take an online speed test. Many websites have free online speed tests you can use to assess your internet connection speed. Through these tests, you can see the how fast your connection is expressed in numeric values. These tests take into consideration things such as network congestion and all activities of your computer that ultimately affect your Internet’s speed. If you have, other downloads while you are taking the online speed tests, these will have an effect on your results. The result of the internet speed test gives you the time it takes to take in a certain amount of data from the Internet.

This is also a good idea for you to double check the bandwidth of your internet connection through these online internet speed monitors. This way you can double check if you are really getting the bandwidth you are paying for. In addition, you can assess whether the bandwidth you have is really, what you need. If you find that it is not enough, you can upgrade your Internet connection by contacting your Internet provider.

Filed Under: Internet, Technology Tagged With: Bandwidth (computing), Internet access, Internet service provider

Determining which Internet connection is better to use

Whether you are upgrading from dial-up to a better connection or thinking about going wireless, there are many different types of Internet connections you can chose from. The two popular connections are Ethernet and Wi-Fi. Let’s take a look at the pros and cons of the connections.

Ethernet is the hard-wired network that helps connect you to the Internet. No matter what laptop you pick up, you will find a connection port for an Ethernet cord. The Ethernet cord is inexpensive and is easy to buy. An Ethernet connection is simple and easy to configure and set up. The connection is fast.

Unfortunately, using an Ethernet connection is not always great. The Ethernet cord limits how far your computer can go so moving from the desk to a chair across the room is not easy to do. You also have to have the cord connected to the Ethernet router in order to get Internet. Having wires makes it hard to hide the fact you use them. It can be a hassle if you plan on having multiple computers in your house. This is typically a good resource if a laptop stays dormant.

Wireless Fidelity or better known as WiFi or wireless network makes it easier for everyone in your family to use the connection without having to be in the same room. There are no wires meaning no mess and hassle. You can be working in your office and than take your laptop to the kitchen to listen to as you prepare dinner. Wireless gives you the ability to do more with your laptop.

Just like Ethernet, WiFi has cons. A laptop connects to wireless through signal. Signal is limited and not every area in your home can connect. It is much slower than Ethernet and is not also easy to set up and configure. There are always more measures you have to take to protect yourself because your wireless connection needs to be secure.

Filed Under: Internet, Technology Tagged With: Ethernet, Router, Wi-Fi, Wireless