How to Increase Browser Settings

Tweaking your browser can result in huge speed increases.

You may have a high-speed Internet connection, but is your browser configured to match? Many computer users do not realize that with a few simple adjustments to their browser settings, they can access websites faster than ever. While each type of browser software will have its own specific tips and menu options available, there are a few general strategies for improving your browser's performance. If you find yourself unhappy with your browser's new configuration, you can always reset the software to the defaults by accessing the settings menu.

Instructions

1. Increase the size of your cache. Your browser's cache stores important data on websites that your visit often, which enables them to load faster. By increasing your cache's capacity, you can store even more data for quick access later on. Most browsers will have a cache size option within their "Settings" menus. There will be a small text field in which you can define the number of megabytes you want to set aside for your browser cache.

2. Disable unnecessary add-ons. While third-party add-ons can greatly augment your Internet activities, they can also bog down the speed of your browser. Open your browser's add-on menu and disable any extensions or plugins that you do not use regularly. You may find that some programs have installed browser add-ons without your knowledge. Feel free to uninstall any add-ons that you have no use for. This can improve your browser's launch time and the overall functionality of websites.

3. Enable HTTP pipelining. Pipelining is a way of increasing page load time by enabling your browser to process multiple server connections at once. Many browsers (such as Firefox, Internet Explorer and Safari) are set to have pipelining disabled, whereas Opera has pipelining open by default. Each browser has a different method of enabling pipelining that is not accessible through the normal setting window. For example, setting up pipelining in Internet Explorer requires editing Windows Registry entries. Tweaking Firefox to enable pipelining means accessing the software configuration through the address bar. Browser-specific pipelining methods can usually be found on user forums.

References

• Microsoft: 7 Ways To Work Faster On Slow Connections
• Die.net: Optimizing Page Load Time
• SpeedGuide: Firefox/IE Browser Tweaks