Make Your Internet Go Faster
There are many reasons why Internet connections seem to slow down over time. Read these steps to learn how to fix common issues and take steps to make your Internet connection faster.
Steps
Software Fixes
- Check for background activity. Sometimes, when your Internet connection seems unusually slow, it's 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.
- Check to see if system update or scan programs are running, too. Often, these programs slow your whole computer down, but the effect is only temporary. Once they finish maintaining your computer, things will go back to normal.
- To check which programs are running in Windows, type Control-Shift-Escape. A list of all active programs will appear. On a Mac, go to the Applications folder, and then the Utilities folder inside that. Open the utility called Activity Monitor for detailed reports on programs, memory usage, and more.
- Tone down effects. One of the simplest ways to speed up modern computers is to disable some or all of the many fancy visual effects they apply to various actions. By turning these off, you give the computer more power to put towards opening web pages, and less for making files appear to spin or unfold when you open them.
- In Windows, these options can normally be found in the System control panel, under Advanced System Settings. To find the right panel quickly, use the Start Menu to search for “System properties,” open the icon that appears, and click the Advanced tab. In the box titled Performance, click the Settings button to select or deselect visual options.
- Macintosh computers utilize a whole host of visual effects. Some of these can be controlled easily; others require specialized software to disable. There is a lot of good information online about the specifics of these programs and what they do, but for starters, you can turn off Dock effects by going to the Apple menu and selecting System Preferences. From there, select Dock, and select “scale effect,” then deselect “Animate opening applications.”
- 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 four most popular are Microsoft Internet Explorer, Mozilla Firefox, Safari, and Google Chrome. Install the latest version of one of them and prepare to be amazed at the jump in performance you see.
- Check for adware. Adware and spyware are programs that are free to install, but almost impossible to uninstall once you've 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. To get rid of them, install a program designed specifically for the task.
- The best way to avoid most adware in the future is to never agree to download anything other than what you're trying to download, even if it seems like the file you want won't 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.
- Destroy adware. Windows users generally rely on a free program called Spybot Search & Destroy; Mac users can use MacScan, but will have to pay a small licensing fee of $39.99 if they want to use it for more than a month. Whichever you choose, download the program, install it, and run it to find, catalog, and delete the offending programs from your computer. Once you have the programs, their steps are very straightforward.
- Get rid of viruses. Viruses, worms, and other more directly harmful computer problems are best handled by a powerful antivirus program. Viruses and their ilk don't 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.
- You don't always have to pay for quality. Some of the world's best antivirus programs are actually free for home use. Windows users can download Avast! Antivirus or AVG for free; Mac users can download Sophos, a Mac-native antivirus program. All of these programs are clean, legitimate, and widely used.
- Allow your antivirus program to run continuously in the background. It will catch threats you didn't see coming – sometimes more often than you might suspect.
- 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's accrued over the years. This generally isn't 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.
- Mac users can simply scan through the Applications folder and drag unwanted programs to the Trash. (Be sure to empty the Trash when you're finished). Windows users should go to the Control Panel and find the Programs panel (also called Add/Remove Programs, or Programs and Features, depending on your edition of Windows), and remove programs from there by highlighting unwanted items and clicking “Uninstall.”
- Set network security. If you access the Internet via a wireless network, slowdown can occur as a result of other people using your connection to surf the Internet. Stop them from doing so by setting a network password. The means of doing this vary from router to router, but are generally available by means of accessing a specific address in your web browser, usually a sequence of numbers like 192.168.1.1. You can learn more about the specific steps of this process by reading [Add-a-Password-to-Your-Wireless-Internet this article about it].
- If you're having trouble getting your network security to take, call the manufacturer of the router and ask them for assistance. If your router is still under warranty, they should be happy to help. Otherwise, you may need to check online for answers, or call a tech-savvy friend. There are many reasons why a password might not work properly, and most of them aren't obvious at a glance.
Hardware Fixes
- Clean-Your-Computer-System. The physical components of your computer can get dusty and clogged over time, leading to overheated parts that underperform and can eventually cause serious problems. Unplug and remove any batteries from your computer, then carefully open the case and clean it out with cotton swabs and compressed air. Sometimes, the bulk of the problem is just a huge dust bunny on the other side of the fan vent keeping your CPU cool.
- 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's 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. Always read the fine print: is there a contract required? How much extra will you have to pay in government fees or rental costs? Shop around until you find the best deal.
- You don't 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.
- Purchase a new modem (and router). Over a period of years, old communications equipment can begin to underperform simply because the company that provides your Internet service assumes you have newer equipment. The problem can also be exacerbated by mismatched equipment, such as a newer modem hooked up to a very old wireless router. Fix it by purchasing a new replacement for each piece.
- To help speed the process along, bring your old equipment with you to the store, and write down the name of your ISP just in case.
- Double check your monthly bill to make sure you aren't renting your modem from the ISP. If you are, you can probably request a newer one from them instead.
- There's no need to buy top-of-the-line equipment for a simple household Internet setup, but don't always opt for the cheapest items, either. Aim for a price that's economical, but a bit above the discount level.
- To help speed the process along, bring your old equipment with you to the store, and write down the name of your ISP just in case.
- Repair your computer. In some cases, your Internet may be slow because of a physical problem with your computer's hardware. It may be worth bringing your machine to a repair shop and having them take a look at it. Settle on a diagnostic fee beforehand, and be sure the repair shop is reputable.
- Often, the cost of fixing a significant hardware problem is more than the cost of just buying a new mid-range computer, so don't agree to pay for repairs until you know what's wrong with it.
- If the technician says that your problem is a lack of hard drive space or RAM, your computer is probably very old and overdue for a replacement. You can clear more space and add more RAM, but it's not likely to make any long-term difference to your connection speed, in most cases (though it may improve performance elsewhere on your computer).
- 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 won't be fast enough to keep up. Set a budget and head out in search of deals.
- Don't be pressured into buying add-ons or extra insurance for your computer. You rarely need them; your computer manufacturer's warranty should cover any flaws in manufacturing perfectly well.
- You don't need to buy the fastest, most expensive computer on the market to get a perfectly useful and fast machine that will last you another several years. Instead, read computer magazines or online articles comparing newer models of computer, and pick one with a high rating that has the features you need.
- Be sure to install your favorite antivirus and spyware program as soon as possible, along with the latest version of your favorite browser. With a little bit of work, your computer will be all set for blazing fast Internet speeds for a good long while to come.
- Internet speeds may vary depending on the distance between your internet provider (Internet Exchange) and your home. In some places, fiber optic cable may need ran from the nearest telephone pole to your home since the signal strength for cable modems and wireless routers can diminish if the distance is too great from the sending source.
