How can i make my internet connection faster?

Question

If i'm watching Youtube videos it keeps pausing. Any idea how i can improve my connection speed. Or is it down to BT to sort it?

Answer 1

It's basically what everyone else has been saying. If you're on a 2mb or below connection, then you could look around for a higher speed connection, as long as your line will support it. Have a look at http://www.thinkbroadband.com on the forums for lots of advice on what ISP to choose and if your line will support a higher speed one.

Also, check that you do have enough RAM. My computer has 1GB as I watch a lot of video. 512MB is really the minimum needed these days. An old computer may not have that much but it's easy enough to get a computer shop to slot more in.

Make sure that your line doesn't have noise on it (although I have no idea how to find that out - it's probably something to ask about on the forums again).

And finally, run SpyBot or the easier to use AdAware and make sure you've got all the nasties off your computer - these can tie up the internet connection. And if you don't have virus checking software, try AVG which is free to home computer users (if you run a business on the computer they don't like to provide the anti-virus software for free). These are all available on the internet. Hopefully that'll help quite a bit for you.

Answer 2

Hi, your internet connection speed relies very strongly on your Internet Service provider and the distance you are from the main exchange which is handling your connection (usually located in the nearest large town or city). However, there are some handy tips which can make the most of your current internet connection.

1) All your programs which make use of your internet connection eat into your bandwidth. The more internet-active programs you have running, the less bandwidth you have for downloading your video on YouTube. Your first step to a smoother download is to close any unnecessary programs, such as instant messenging software (like MSN/Live or AIM) - this will free up some much-needed bandwidth for you.

2) Do a scan of your computer for malicious software which may be making use of your bandwidth. I recommend that you download and install CounterSpy, Ad-Aware 2007 or Microsoft's Windows Defender (if you haven't already got it installed). Having more than one Anti-Spyware tool installed is advised - remember to download them from a legitimate site (aka download.com). Of these three, the best is probably CountrySpy which will remove pretty much anything. Also think about having a free on-line scan from a decent Anti-Virus provider (like Trend Micro - see sources).

3) Check to make sure that you are getting the speeds which your Internet Service Provider promised you when you signed up. You can check your connection speed at speedtest.net. I recommend running a test at several different points of the day to get an accurate picture of how your connection speed is - if it is consistently woefully low you might just consider complaining to your ISP.

I hope these small tips help somewhat!

Answer 3

Ok, if you're sure the laggy videos has to do with your internet speed, then the best choice is to get a new ISP (internet service provider) or upgrade your current deal.

If a lot of recent web applications lag on your computer, then it's probably a better idea to upgrade your computer too.

Answer 4

1

Answer 5

It won't make your internet connection faster, but what you might like to try is, as soon as the YouTube page loads, click on the pause button. Watch the red bar progress towards the end, and then click on play.

The reason the videos are pausing is due to buffering that's taking place. This may have something to do with your connection speed, but it's just as likely to be the connection at the other end. YouTube have to feed the same video to many people at the same time.

Answer 6

Fast

Answer 7

Pay BT more money for an 8mb account - THEN after install and fee see it rise a massive 3mb - complain and listen to the nonsense about - arcane "line settling down" black art mumbo-jumbo.

Answer 8

Well. This is one way on how to speed up your internet connection:
1st. Start "Run"
2nd: Type in "RegEdit"
3rd: Go down to HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE
4th: Go down to Software
5th: Go down to MicroSoft.
6th: Go down to windows.
7th: Click on current version.
8th: You will see a bunch of stuff on the main window on the right, Right Click on the open area then click on the "New" then "Dword (32-bit) Value" then rename it "MaxConnectionPerServer"
Right click on the dword you just made and click "Modify" and change the value to 16. Make sure the base is Hexadecimal.
9th: Repeat 8th except rename it "MaxConnectionPer1_0Server"
10th: Restart your PC.
11th: Realise it works :O

Answer 9

if you are near the wireless router it is always much faster becasue of the better connection
upgrade your internet to get better results.

Answer 10

upgrade your ram or change to broadband