How Do I Check My Download Speed?
When using the computer to download large items, use Voice over Internet Protocol or other high-speed uses, you may need to check the computer's download speed; or, more accurately, the bandwidth speed. Bandwidth is defined as a data transmission rate, or the most information in bits per second that is sent out along a channel, according to Princeton University. Bandwidth determines how fast a computer can download an item or perform other high-speed functions. One way to determine a computer's download speed is to perform an online speed test.
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Instructions
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Choose an online bandwidth meter or speed test. There are several available at sites like CNet.com, PCPitstop.com and Bandwidth.com.
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Enter any information needed on the bandwidth testing site. Some sites ask for area codes and your type of Internet connection. Other sites simply have a button reading "Run" to run the bandwidth speed test.
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Run the bandwidth test on up to five different sites. Each site will show bandwidth speed in kilobits per second. Broadband connections such as cable or DSL often run between 384 kbps to 1500 kbps or more. Dial-up connections are typically less than 60 kbps.
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Add up the kilobits per second for the computer determined through each test. Then, divide that by the number of tests taken. This will give you an average bandwidth speed for the computer.
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Tips & Warnings
Run a bandwidth test while downloading an item. The kbps will appear less than the average, since bandwidth is being taken up by the download. Most computers have a download progress bar that shows the number of kilobits per second the item is downloading.
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