How to Keep Your Internet Speed Fast

Optimizing your computer performance can save you lengthy calls to your Internet service provider.

Internet speeds have increased substantially since the introduction of DSL and cable broadband services. Internet services offering high speeds are becoming more cost-effective, but computer performance may be to blame for a sluggish Internet. Small steps to optimize your computer performance will keep your Internet speed fast. Optimizing your computer performance will also help reduce system crashes and screen freezing.

Instructions

1. Scan your computer for spyware, adware and viruses on a regular basis. Biweekly or weekly scans with anti-virus software will help you catch harmful intrusions to your sensitive data. Spyware, adware and viruses take up much needed memory, slowing down your computer. Once found, these items can be removed or quarantined to prevent them from taking up memory.

2. Check your computer's processor speed. Some processors, especially older ones, cannot handle high Internet speeds. If your processor does not make the cut, consider a complete rebuild of your computer or purchase of a newer model. Comcast.net suggests processor speeds of 1.5 GHz or higher to successfully run high-speed Internet services.

3. Install speed-boosting software. This software automatically deletes cookies, cleans your cache and improves computer speed by helping eliminate spyware and adware intrusions from suspicious sites. Some programs are free, while others are available for a small license fee.

4. Activate the "Disk Cleanup" feature on your computer system to eliminate saved searches and offline websites. These items take up space on your hard drive and cause your internet to crawl. Cleaning up your hard drive once a week will help keep your high-speed from acting more like dial-up.

5. Defragment your computer monthly. Files and programs that do not completely download are stored in your computer's memory. While the files and programs do not work properly, they still hog much needed space that is used to support high Internet speeds.

References

• Microsoft: How to Make a Computer Faster: 6 Ways to Speed Up Your PC
• Comcast: How to Get the Most from Your Comcast High-Speed Internet Service
• Small Net Builder: How Fast is your Network