Check Internet Speed
Checking your internet speed is helpful and a good idea to do periodically. If you are having a problem downloading or opening web pages, knowing how to check internet speed is handy for troubleshooting. Keep reading for instructions on checking your speed.
Steps
From Your Computer
- Use a PC to figure out how quickly your computer interacts with the internet. Before you get started, make sure your computer is connected to the internet.
- Go to the Start menu and search for "Network."
- Click on "Network."
- Click on "View status" to get information on your internet speed.
- Use a Mac to figure out how quickly your computer interacts with the internet. First, make sure your computer is connected to the internet.
- Hit "Command" + "F".
- Type in "Activity monitor" and double click on the application.
- Click on the Network tab to get information on your peak speed.
From the Internet
- Close all applications before running the speed test. You don't want sluggish applications interfering with the measurement of your internet speed. Make sure your internet is connected.
- Go online and do a search for "internet speed tests." You will find a number of sources from which to pick.
- Pick just a few to run their tests. Most of the speed test sites will sell something. That in itself is not a big deal. But if you have to wade through offers and prompts to test your PC first before you can run the simple speed test, go to a different website.
- You will find Speakeasy and PC Pitstop to have selectable test destinations. This is good because you can test from both sites to the same city, and compare the results. Don't expect them to be exact, but you can get a good average.
- If prompted, select a sever that is closest to your location. That way proximity to server won't be on the shortlist of possible reasons why your internet is running at lower speeds.
- Compare your internet speed to the averages. Compare how fast your internet is running to typical speeds for your type of internet.
- Dial-up modem: 10 to 40 kB/sec.
- DSL or cable: 500 kB/sec.
- T-1: 1000+ kB/sec.
- Run internet speed tests to help determine whether you are having a problem, or just to keep your internet service provider honest.
- Internet speed test results will vary from one tester to another. There are many reasons for this; distance and metrics to the test server are two major ones. Often, you will have no idea where the test destination is, so keep this in mind. Some tests let you choose the location to test to. Normally, the best test to run is to the server location nearest you. This is because you are trying to test your connection and know that your PC/connection is OK.
- Remember there isn't a need to call your ISP if your speed isn't exactly what your service agreement says you have. All service varies somewhat from what's on paper. There are numerous aspects that affect internet speed. The speed of your home connection might well vary from one day to the next, and even throughout the day.
- Call your ISP if you do believe that you have a service problem. It is not only their responsibility to you, but it is their equipment. They are entitled and obligated to determine speed problems for themselves.
Warnings
- Always beware when on the internet. Never assume a website is safe and free from malware just because it looks like a nice site. Not all of the sites you find in your search will be good choices. If you find yourself on a site that looks or feels suspicious or with which you are uncomfortable, then leave it immediately. There are too many good sources on the internet for you to take chances with questionable sites.
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