Re: Broadband provider

On 2007-07-14, Tim <usenet@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxx> wrote:
Whiskers wrote:
On 2007-07-14, Tim <usenet@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxx> wrote:
My current broadband provider is getting crappier by the day and i am
thinking of switching .

If the problem is down to a faulty telephone line or to an increase in the
internet traffic in your area (ie more people using it, or using it more),
changing ISP may not make any difference.

What do you mean by 'getting crappier avery day'?


Web pages are very slow to load.Some pages won't load at all Rss feeds
increasingly failing to update.Downloads are slow.

It's effing frustrating!

I'd look to my own computer first; make sure that you haven't got any
'malware' or 'spyware' slowing you down - and that your 'anti-virus' etc
software isn't trying to scan everything coming in or out, as that could
bring things almost to a standstill.

Make sure the computer isn't running programs you don't need at the
moment; when you've finished with a program, close it rather than
'minimise' it. Don't have more web pages open than you are actually
using.

People who know more than I do about whichever version of Windows you're
using can probably give you more detailed help.

If it's only web pages that are 'slow', check the browser for settings or
'extensions' that might be getting in the way. Try a different browser.

Are newsgroups and email still working at a normal sort of 'speed'?

Have you got lots of 'torrents' or other peer-to-peer downloads running?
How about chat-rooms or 'instant messaging'?

How are you connecting to the internet? If you are using a cheap or
'free' "USB modem" for a broadband connection, consider changing that for
a "router/modem" that connects to your computer using an ethernet network
cable, as ethernet is designed for the job, whereas USB is not and
sometimes doesn't work at all well. If your existing kit has the option
for an ethernet connection, try that. It may be worth getting an ethernet
card if your computer hasn't already got one.

If you have a 'wireless' connection between your computer and the "modem"
or "router", then that could be what's slowing you down if the signal is
weak or erratic or if there is interference.

If you can, try to monitor the traffic on your internet connection to make
sure that it's all yours - eg that someone else isn't 'freeloading' on
your wireless connection. (If the 'wireless' LED on the router or "modem"
is flashing even when your computer is turned off, be very suspicious).

--
-- ^^^^^^^^^^
-- Whiskers
-- ~~~~~~~~~~
.