Top 3 Reasons why you Have a Slow Connection (and how to fix it)
Fed up with your slow internet connection? Does it seem like the internet fairies are playing their tricks on you? It can seem that way if you get furious enough.
Computers slow down for a multitude of reasons, but most of those can be traced to one thing – us using it. As you install extensions, download free programs, surf the web, create files and fill your hard drive with music and movies, one day you’ll notice that your once pristine computer and fast internet connection we’re not as they used to be.
The good thing is that there are a couple of ways you can do to bring back the old (fast) days – or at least improve your current situation. Here’s how:
1. Your browser contains too many ad-ons. When things are free and easy to obtain, we often blindly click on install not knowing whether we actually need it. Newscast: Not all browser extensions are good. Many people assume that their connection is slow because of a virus, but often times it’s their browser ad-ons that ruin their once speedy connection.
Add-ons may proclaim themselves as search protectors and popup blockers when in fact they slow your computer down by downloading pop ups and popping up ads every time you surf.
How to fix it
Remove or disable browser toolbars and extensions that you don’t need.
If you’re using Chrome, right-click on an extension icon on the right part of the address bar. On the drop-down menu, click on the Remove from Chrome or better yet, click Manage Extensions to see (and disable) all hidden extensions that you don’t need.
Be vigilant when installing free downloaded applications from the Internet as many of them comes with PUP (potentially unwanted programs). Simply uncheck the item/s next time instead of blindly clicking on the next button just to get it over with.
2. You’re running multiple programs. We all know that running too many programs at the same time can wear out even expensive rigs. Doing a billion things at once may be the reason why we have computers, but at some point, our favorite artificial intelligence can falter.
Running multiple programs takes a toll on your RAM (random access memory), which houses the memory requirements of any program that you’re running. Even minimized windows suck up processing power.
How to fix it
Close the programs you don’t need. Windows 8 programs are built to run in the background temporarily and automatically shut down. You can also access the task manager (ctrl+alt+delete) then click on the startup tab. Once inside, right-click any unwanted startup item and disable it.
3. You have a bad service provider. Because bad ISP (internet service provider) can happen to the best of us. If you are still using a dial-up connection or a modem, chances are you will have a slower connection compared to broadband or ADSL users. No matter how fast your computer is, a slow internet speed caused by your ISP will ruin your working or playing for you.
How to fix it
Go ahead and ditch your old internet connection. Instead, go for providers that offer broadband and ADSL connection in your area. You’ll be glad you did.
Also, service providers like iiNet offers NBN Broadband connection that uses lightning-fast fiber-optic, fixed wireless and satellite technology, which will be available over the next 10 years. This can literally change how you use your internet.
