Issue 40.13
I am going to encourage all internet users to do one simple thing before reading this article. Using your browser (Internet Explorer, Google Chrome, Firefox, Safari, etc.) go to www.speedtest.net. Wait for the page to load completely before doing anything. Do NOT click on all the “Start Now” or “Speed up your computer” buttons because they are generally not helpful to your system and can actually cause problems. Instead, wait until you see the “Begin Test” button on a map of your general area.
Click there and the test program will search for the best internet test site in your area and check your upload and download speed. The upload speed (how fast files go from your computer to the internet) is almost always in the range from .50 to 1.0 MBPS (mega bits per second). It is not terribly fast, but for most people it is perfectly fine. The download speed is the critical issue when downloading files, websites and especially video or music. If you have dial-up (internet over the phone line) your download speed is typically in the same range or lower than the .50 speed above. If you have “broadband” or “high-speed” internet service, you should get faster performance, depending on what is available in your area and how much you pay. Basic “high speed” internet is usually in the 1.5 to 2.0 MBPS and, as you can see, is only 3-4 times as fast as dial-up.
Most internet providers offer service in the 4 MBPS range and most in more populated areas offer up to 12 MPBS but may charge more for the higher speeds. Some offer extreme speed such as 30-100 MBPS capability. Once you know what speed you are actually getting, you can check your bill or call your internet provider and ask what speed you are paying for. If the speed is noticeably different, you may want to have them determine if your modem (the box that connects to your DSL phone line, cable or antenna) is up-to-date and capable of giving you the speed you are paying for. I have a number of customers that are not receiving the full speed and, in most instances, the Internet Provider has fixed the problem once they are made aware of it.
In some cases, the customer has to pay for a new modem. Some modems double as wireless routers (the box that distributes the internet and network connection to multiple wired and wireless devices in the home). If not, you may want to get a router or replace an old router if it is slowing down your internet because it is outdated. Often however, once the internet provider is informed that the speed is not what the customer is paying for, they will update wiring or equipment so the customer is happy. If they are unable to do that, the customer usually can switch to a better provider that will give better service and speed.
This is especially important if you are streaming music or videos such as movies, TV shows, youtube content, etc. For those purposes a minimum of 4 MBPS is recommended, higher if multiple computers are in use. Since Century Link took over for Qwest, many internet users have been downgraded to 1.5 MBPS if they live outside of high population concentrations and others have found they are not getting full speed at certain times of day. Other providers have similar problems, but not to the same extent.
To get the best internet experience, you will want to be sure you are getting all you pay for. So check it out –
and remember to back up anything that is important to you.
Shaun McCausland has worked in the computer industry for over 32 years, 23 years of it locally with Bits ‘N’ Bytes and Musicomp and currently does in-home and on-site computer consultation, service, training and repair. If you have questions you can reach him at 435-668-7118 or his website www.bitsnbytescomputers.com.