How to Improve My Internet Access Speed for Free

You can speed up your laptop or desktop for free.

Internet speed relies on two main factors: your equipment and the ordered speed. The amount of speed ordered by you from your Internet service provider is the highest amount of speed possible. To get that speed consistently, you need to improve your equipment. Typically, this means replacing aged computers, routers, modems and cords. Not all people have the money to improve their Internet speed this way. But you can improve the health of your current computer, and thus speed it up, with some regular maintenance.

Instructions

1. Defrag your computer. Click on "Start">"Computer." Right-click on the hard drive. Choose "Properties." Select the "Tools" tab. Click "Defragment Now." Check the "Run on a Schedule" box. Set the time periods the computer automatically defrags in "Modify Schedule." A regularly schedule defrag will help maintain the speed. Click "Defragment Now." In XP or older computers, choose "My Computer" instead of "Computer."

   In Windows 7, click "Start">"All Programs">"Accessories">"System Tools">"Disk Defragmenter." Set up a regular schedule in "Configure Schedule" and click on the hard drive to highlight. Choose "Analyze Disk." When it finishes, choose "Defragment Now." The results from Analyze Disk tells you the severity of the file defragmention.

2. Run a Chkdisk scan to fix the hard drive. Click "Start" >"Computer." Right-click on the hard drive and select "Properties." Choose the "Tools" tab. Click on "Check Now" under Error-Checking. Press "Continue." Check both "Automatically fix file system errors" and "Scan for and attempt recovery of bad sectors." Click "Start."

3. Update your computer; click on "Start">"All Programs">"Windows Update." To set Windows Update to run regularly, click on "Change Settings." Select "Install updates automatically (recommended)" from the "Important Updates" drop-down box. Choose the day and time in the drop-down boxes next to "Install New Updates." Check "Give me recommended updates the same way I receive important updates." Check "Give me updates for Microsoft products and check for new optional Microsoft software when I update Windows." Decide whether to check "Allow all users to install updates on this computer" and "Show me detailed notifications when new Microsoft software is available." Both options are based on your preferences and how many people use the computer. Click "OK."

References

• Microsoft At Work: 5 Ways to Speed Up Your PC
• Help Desk Geek: 99 Ways To Make Your Computer Blazingly Fast
• Windows: Use Your Start Menu to Check For Updates