4 Ingenious Ways To Speed Up Your Internet Connection
Slow internet is one of the most frustrating, nail biting, laptop-slamming experiences of today's world. Businesses, entrepreneurs and social media enthusiasts just don't have time to wait minutes or even hours for downloads and uploads. If you're experiencing slow internet, it's time to take action. These 4 ingenious ideas can help you keep your computer and your internet functioning at maximum level, so you don't have to wait forever for your reports to come through (or, ahem, whatever else you're looking at).
1. Clean & Defragment Your Computer Regularly
If you have a number of programs on your computer that you don't use, or excess toolbars on your browser, these may be causing your internet to run slowly. Keeping your computer clean and streamlined is the first step to ensuring the internet package you have can work at an optimum level. Every month, go through your list of installed programs and uninstall or delete the programs that you haven't used during that month. However, deleting the desktop icon for that program won't get rid of it -- you'll need to go through your computer's control panel. Uninstall shopping or search toolbars that may have accidentally downloaded with other programs, and use only the default address bar for your browser.
"Defragging" your hard drive is also an excellent way to speed up your internet, and you can do it overnight while you sleep. When your computer stores information, think of it as throwing paint on a spinning plate. When the plate stops spinning, the paint is going to be in dozens of different places. When the information is scattered like this, it takes longer for your computer to get to what it needs. Defragmenting is a simple procedure that takes the information your computer has, and files it nice and neat, with easy to find labels.
2. Run Virus Scans Frequently
Viruses are notorious for bogging down internet speeds, and without virus protection, you could unknowingly be downloading viruses to your computer every day. If your internet has suddenly started working slower than it normally does, a virus is probably the culprit. If you don't already have virus protection software, purchase a good quality program that offers the ability to scan for viruses at will, in addition to performing routine virus scans. Scan for viruses frequently, quarantining or eliminating them when you find any.
3. Upgrade an Outdated or Old Router
Even if you have an internet package with great speeds, if you have an old or outdated router, there's a possibility that your router won't be able to handle it. Every year or two, make a point to upgrade your router to a new one to stay on top of the latest technology and ensure you're getting all the internet you're paying for.
4. Check For Fiber Optic Internet Providers In Your Area
Fiber optic internet is the fastest internet connection available, and is hundreds of times faster than cable and DSL connections. In the United States, the average broadband download speed is about 18.2Mbps, but can range anywhere between 7.3Mbps to 29.1Mbps. Fiber optic internet, or GB internet, can regularly reach speeds of 330Mbps, and may even have the capability to reach 40Gbps in the future. Check with internet providers in your area to find out if there are any fiber optic internet packages available to you. Upgrading to fiber can make your internet speeds lightening fast, making your current speed feel like dial up.
Faster internet can help improve both business and personal recreation. Because let's face it -- you only have seconds to Facebook stalk your ex before your boss boss finds out. By utilizing these 4 simple but smart ways to improve your internet speeds, you can say goodbye to the days of waiting so long for your internet connection that your coffee gets cold.
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