Internet speed

[bmcecosse]

My internet appears to be running very very slowly........So slow - some sites just don't work. Can anyone tell me how I can check the 'actual' speed I am getting?

[pfgiz]

Roy,

This site is the one I always use, http://www.mybroadbandspeed.co.uk/

Hope that helps.

[Plin]

I didn't know of the existence of such sites, a very useful tool. Many thanks for that link.

[bmcecosse]

Many thanks Peter - after posting I did find a similar test page. You one you suggest gives me a magnificent score of 496kbps for download and 88 for upload......... The other site I found only gave me 122kbps for download...... So - I don't know if the problem is in my computer - or in my 'Orange' box - or in my phone line! Any suggestions how I can narrow this down ??

[irmscher]

roy maybe you could google the problem ?? mine was7268kbs 909kb s and 611kbps 76.4 bs and dont know if this is good or bad

[MColes]

Have you tried restarting the modem?

[beero]

Can you take it to a friend's house and try their broadband?
Or if you are wireless, use a neighbours broadband (with their consent, of course! )

[bmcecosse]

Fair points both, and thanks - will try tomorrow - the modem is always put off overnight anyway. It's speeded up some (but still not right) since my dear wife stopped using her laptop on the wireless........

[RobMoore]

Roy,
Reset your router using a pin or similar via a small hole in the back of your router, hold in for 10 seconds.
If you have a spare micro filter then try replacing the one in your phone socket.
If you are not wireless and have a spare cable for PC to modem then please replace
I'm going to assume you have a typical set up here Roy.
1 telephone socket I(master) connected to this is microfilter and into filter your phone and modem.
call your ISP They will ask you if you all about your setup what connected etc and have you try a few things.
At some point they will check your line and will probably pass you to 3rd line technical(the ones that can actually help you).
Ask them if you are on DLM (dynamic line management (an automated method of supposidly getting your settings optimal)) If you are on DLM ask to be taken off. They will look at your lines noise margins and speed and should be able to get your speeds up again.

If your settings and line are fine then you need to look elsewhere.
Maleware, trojans, browser hijacking and other virus can all slow your speed.

[bmcecosse]

Guuulp! Whoah there - far too much information for a simple coal shoveller......
Thanks for all that Rob - I will digest it in time I'm sure. It actually seems a bit better this morning - the whole assembly having been off overnight. I don't think it's in the computer - I have both Spybot and Avast running.
Thanks for coming back with the tips! Roy

[RobMoore]

Take a look at this link Roy, it gives diagrams to help explain things.
http://www.dslzoneuk.net/socket.php scroll down a little.

[polo2k]

http://www.speedtest.net/ is my favourite. Quick, free and in simple terms. (bit like me lol)

remember though that is can only test the available capasity on the connection, i.e. I just ran it while playing the radio Doh! this can also mean false readings if there are any other nasties on your PC. On program I use a bit and highly reccomend is CCleaner as its quick and really speeds things up!
it also gives examples i.e. how long it takes to download a 10Mb MP3
AND... it also shows how you connection rates compared to the local average.

[polo2k]

[polo2k]

I forgot another thing I use, Zone alarm. it is actually a firewall program (free too) but when running it shows a little bar graph about whats coming and going on the line, very useful to see if something is hogging bandwidth

[RobMoore]

As for nasties whilst spybot and avast are great to have and I have them also, things can still infect your PC.
Only last week I had some annyoing virus on mine that took 4 days to eventually locate and remove. It had disabled my protection apps from running and updating.
The following are recommended:
All the following run once per week
Spypot search and destroy
Ad-Aware
Malewarebytes
Windowsdefender

Avast (free), AVG(free) or kapersky antivirus

One of
Windows firewall (despite it being microsoft this is still a good tool)
Zonealarm firewall
Bullguard firewall

[MarkyB]

Avast (free), AVG(free) or kapersky antivirus

Are all good, however only run one anti virus program or your computer will slow right down while they both fight to look at files.

[bmcecosse]

Today the 'test' was over 5Mb download - but only 370Kb upload ? Dunno if that really matters........
Thanks all for advice - must have been a glitch - I hope!

[polo2k]

just another thought. you mentioned earlier on that your missis had been using the wireless on the router. if it is still on then mayble someone else is "borrowing" your connection (I believe this is technically fraud as well as theft in some cases) take a look at the lights on the modem next time its going slow. if your not using it and its going nuts then odds are someone else is on it.

[bmcecosse]

I think that's unlikely - it barely stretches across half the house - 'wirelessly' - sit on far side of living room and it's pathetic! It also has a pretty good passnumber system - doubtful anyone could get access - each laptop using the system has to be 'given' the passnumber before it can connect. But - a good point - appreciate all input!

[Dean]

Mine was slow too.... just downloaded that Cclean.. wow it deleted 705Mb of chaff, my pc now zips along like new. Thanks for the advice.