Double My Speed ?

[SFree]

Firstly, I am NOT even to be considered computer savy, but with the decreasing speed of our "hi-speed" internet I was wondering about the titled subject and the possilble other program/packages that are available and "free".
Do they help or are they camoflauged scams to lure someone into an agreement they can't get out of?

Can ya help a cave man out?

 

[The Mechanic]

Re: Double My Speed ?

If you are talking "Just internet speed" and internet speed only there is no program that will increase that. That is purely with your provider. If you go to some of the speed test sites (there are many)
http://reviews.cnet.com/internet-speed-test/

http://speedtest.net/
test it and compare it to what was advertised when you signed up for the service. If it is off by a lot call them up and complain. It is REAL simple for them to give you more speed.

If you are talking about your actual computer slowing down then that is a different story. That has been addressed on different threads here. Most common is malware, some updates from MS, failing components, very heavy fragmentation of hard drive etc etc.

 

[Hink]

Re: Double My Speed ?

I don't receive any compensation for recommending any software or software package...but this is what I use and it works for me.

Windows Cleanup -- removed unnecessary files that end up getting dropped on your hard drive during interwebnets activity

Avast! Antivirus -- Seems to work very well for anti-virus and malware. Frequent updates, and active virus monitoring.

And once in a while, restart your computer. As you turn programs on and off, some start junk in the background that doesn't actually turn off until your computer is shut off. These functions use the memory available in your computer. You can hit CTRL-ALT-DEL and click on 'Task Manager' and 'Performance' to see how much memory you have available and how much is being used. If the graph is near the top, you're getting near the max of your memory usage, and your computer will slow down. These little things may help to speed up your computer, but if your access is slow, that's a matter with your service provider.

 

[Get Hard Art]

Re: Double My Speed ?

Upgrading your internet speed will definitely increase your web browsing as well as upload/download speeds depending on which package you choose.

Before jumping into a faster internet package, I would run a program that cleans up spyware and other registry issues such as Malwarebytes which can be had for free. Run it followed by a system defrag. Restart the computer in safe mode and run Malwarebytes again to remove any residual virus/malware/spam programs. Careful with downloading other programs as they will just trick you into fully registering their products and will, in turn, be a spam program that you self-installed.

After taking those steps, you can get a clear gauge on how fast your computer is opposed to how fast your internet is. The main misconception people have with internet isn't the internet half the time, it's actually their computer being bogged down with axillary processes.

Then, and only then, should you think of upgrading your internet speed. Some of the higher internet speeds will require your internet company, especially cable, to come in and upgrade your connects from the pole.

If you've had your PC for awhile, I'd suggested backing up all your data and doing a clean wipe of the drive. Eliminates all of the guessing as far as what's in your computer.

Good luck.

 

[ArcticLight]

Re: Double My Speed ?

As I mentioned, besides runnign Windows Cleanup (Start Programs, Accessories, System Tools) grab AUTORUNS from Microsoft's website.

It will show you what is starting on your computer and you can remove anything you don't want starting, like Quick TIme, Adobe Speed launcher, Microsoft speed launcher, all that unnecessary CRAP.

Another tip, after cleaning out hte old files with Windows Disk Cleanup, go into c:\windows\prefetch, select all, delete.

They will reload but those are executable stubs, after uninstalling stuff it remains behind in there.

These lil things will help your computer immensely, it's my $25 tune up.

 

[ArcticLight]

Re: Double My Speed ?

...And then right click MY COMPUTER, Disk Defragmenter, set it to defrag all of your drives.

 

[SFree]

Re: Double My Speed ?

You dudes are awsome...

Thank you

 

[Maggot]

Re: Double My Speed ?

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: SFree</div><div class="ubbcode-body">You dudes are awsome...

Thank you </div></div>

I agree. Just checked and found out ive used 90 of my memory. Time to get rid of some stuff. Is the windows cclean up the same as Microsoft Security essentials, which is free and seems to do a great job. Cleaned a Trojan right out. Thanks again.

 

[Jhnmdahl]

Re: Double My Speed ?

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: maggot</div><div class="ubbcode-body">...Microsoft Security essentials, which is free and seems to do a great job. Cleaned a Trojan right out.</div></div>

Good advice - it's from Microsoft, works well, and is free. Download it at:

http://www.microsoft.com/en-us/security_essentials/default.aspx