How to Test and Optimize DSL Speed Online for Free

Slow Internet connectivity can be addressed using free technology.

DSL (Digital Subscriber Line) is the transfer of data through telephone wires of the network. Many companies selling Internet connections advertise a speed that may not match the reality. A slow Internet connection can be caused by a slow connection through the telephone network or a slow computer or a combination of the two. Both of these can be tested using free technology and, while problems with the telephone network may be difficult to fix, computer running speed is something that can easily be addressed using free technology.

Instructions

1. Go to a free DSL speed-checking website. Examples include Speed Test, My Speed Test and Bandwidth Place (see Resources). Click "Check my speed" or a similar phrase and the site will run a check on how fast your download and upload speeds are.

2. Compare the results. Slow relative upload speeds suggest a slow computer, whereas slow download speeds suggest a slow Internet connection. If both connections are noticeably slower than that which was advertised by your Internet provider, you have a legitimate case to complain to your provider. It is best to contact their complaints department with your reading, your bill and the amount promised. Although the advertised speed will be an upper limit, they still have a duty to keep minimum speeds close to that limit.

3. Check your computer for connectivity issues. The most common problems that slow Internet speed is a long Internet history and a large number of cookies. On your Internet browser, click "Tools," either "Clear Recent History" or "Internet Properties" and "Clear Internet History." Check the box that says "Delete cookies." This will enable your computer to operate faster on the Internet.

4. Perform a registry check to optimize the speed of Windows. A slow operating system will greatly impact on the speed of your DSL internet connection. Download and install RegClean (see Resources), which will perform registry checks for free.

5. Check for malware, which can seriously slow your DSL Internet connection. Many of the recent versions of GoogleChrome have been linked with malware infections. Malware Bytes Anti-Malware (see Resources) is free software that will remove malware from your computer, even if it is heavily infected.

References

• Tech Support: DSL Connection seemingly much slower than advertised!

Resources

• Speed Test
• My Speed Test
• Bandwidth Place
• RegClean
• Malwarebytes' Anti-Malware