Slow Internet connections happen for various reasons, even when you pay for a ‘highspeed connection’. Because the Internet (and World Wide Web) is built on hundreds of different technologies trying to talk to each other, there are many places where data can slow down before its reaches your computer screen. Your ISP might be at fault, certainly, but there are many other factors to look at before assigning blame. Some of these slow points are within your control, and can be quickly fixed with a little do-it-yourself effort.
Check for background activity. Sometimes, when your Internet connection seems unusually slow, it is just because something else is using part of your connection in the background. Find your browser’s download manager and ensure no files are downloading, then check to see what other programs are running, and check each one of them to be sure it isn’t hogging your connection. If someone left a torrent running and neglected to tell you, that could very well be the source of your slowdown.
Upgrade your Internet service. ISPs (Internet service providers) continue to offer faster and faster service every few years, to keep up with the increasingly image- and sound-rich world of the Internet. Even a connection that was blazing fast 10 years ago may seem agonizingly slow today. If you haven’t upgraded the speed of your Internet service in several years, it is likely that the Internet, rather than your equipment, could be the culprit. Fix this problem by purchasing newer, faster service. You can compare prices and service plans online or by calling ISPs and speaking with their salespeople. You do not necessarily need the very fastest Internet service available in your area. Speak with a representative about what you generally use the Internet for, and ask what he or she thinks would be an appropriate speed for your connection.
Update your browser. Over time, Internet browsers get replaced with newer iterations and become obsolete. If you continue to use an old version of a browser, you’ll eventually begin to notice that your Internet seems slower, since the old browser isn’t equipped to handle new content. Solve the problem by updating to a current browser. The three most popular are Microsoft Internet Explorer, Mozilla Firefox, and Google Chrome. Install the latest version of one of them and prepare to be amazed at the jump in performance you see.
Free up space. Sometimes, an older or smaller computer will begin to slow down due to the sheer amount of temporary Internet data or extra programs and files it has cached over the years. This generally is not a problem for any computer made in the last several years, but it never hurts to do a little spring-cleaning. Start by deleting your temporary Internet data. This is usually pretty simple; guides for whatever browser you use can be found with a quick Google search. Afterward, go through your programs and remove those you no longer use or want.
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Check for adware. Adware and spyware are programs that are free to install, but almost impossible to uninstall once you have made the mistake of doing so. They can range from mildly irritating to seriously invasive of your privacy, and they almost invariably hog your bandwidth, slowing down your Internet connection. The best way to avoid most adware is to never agree to download anything other than what you are trying to download; even if it seems like the file you want would not download without the adware attached. No reputable site will force you to install a “toolbar” or any other extra program as part of a legal file download. Windows users generally rely on a free program called Spybot Search & Destroy; and Mac users can use MacScan to destroy adware. Once you have the programs, their steps are very straightforward.
Get rid of viruses. A powerful antivirus program is needed to best handle viruses, worms, and other more directly harmful computer problems. Viruses and their ilk do not often contribute directly to a slower Internet connection, but they should always be prevented whenever possible and purged as soon as they sneak onto your computer. To check for and contain viruses, download an antivirus program and install it, then run it immediately.
Replace your computer. When all else fails, chances are that your computer is too old or too worn-out to provide an adequate connection speed. As mentioned previously, content on the Internet becomes more demanding and data-intensive every year. Eventually, your CPU and system bus just would not be fast enough to keep up. Set a budget and head out in search of deals.
