FIVE Ways to Boost Internet Speed

Your web surfing experience can suffer a big hit whether you use Internet Explorer or FireFox. However, if your PC is in decent shape and has a high speed internet connection, there is no need for you to endure such a sluggish performance online. Before getting frustrated and complaining to your service provider, see if these five tips can help you restore your internet connection speed.

1.) Utilize a Firewall

Firewalls are useful applications that should be installed on any computer connected to the internet. Other than protecting you against intruders, it can also help you increase internet speed. Though you might not realize it, many of the programs installed on your computer will try to make contact with the internet behind your back. This could be a multimedia program like iTunes or a peer-to-peer application you downloaded. These communications take up precious resources your system needs to maintain internet connection speed. By utilizing a firewall, you can set determine which, if any of your programs have access to the web and free up the resources needed to speed up internet.

2.) Disable Images When Possible

Configuring your web browser to not automatically download or display image when browsing will result in pages that open much faster. This will allow you to view content such as blog posts and articles on a website without having to wait all day for the page to load up. To perform these actions in Microsoft Internet Explorer, go to “Tools”, “Internet Options”, click the “Advanced” tab and scroll down to “Show Pictures.” Simply uncheck this option and you should instantly notice a difference in your internet connection speed.

3.) Use an Ethernet Connection

A simple way to increase your internet speed is to ditch wireless in favor of a connection that goes directly to your modem via an Ethernet cable. Wireless technology has its benefits but the signal still isn’t the most reliable. While this will probably leave you with less flexibility, it is almost guaranteed to optimize and boost your internet connection speed.

4.) Eliminate Troublesome Third-Party Devices

If you are making a connection via a wireless router, your internet speed might be impacted by a nearby electrical device. Common household devices such as microwaves, set top boxes and video game consoles are notoriously known for interfering with wireless networks. A satellite TV receiver could have a faulty power supply that doesn’t cause the device to completely fail, but still affects your internet connection speed. Pinpointing this troublesome device might be time consuming but it can be done. Turn off all equipment with the exception of your PC and router and then turn them back one by one to determine which is responsible for the connectivity problems.

5.) Stay Up to Date

The last step you can try to speed up internet before contacting your ISP is making sure your PC is equipped with the latest technologies needed to provide a reliable connection. This goes for your operating system, web browser and router firmware. An up to date router is the most important as it must be kept current to support the new technologies incorporated by your service provider.

Try the above tips and see if they help. Good luck!