Are web sites loading slowly? Does downloading take too long? Maybe browsing online just seems slower than it should?

There are a few ways to improve a slow Internet connection, without dropping a lot of money on more bandwidth. There are some problems that can really drag down Internet speeds, and by fixing these, you can browse at top speed once again.

Wireless Problems

Some of the main problems that cause connection slowdowns have to do with wireless Internet connections. With a wireless Internet connection, you have a router that plugs into the wall for the main Internet connection, and a modem that connects to your PC, or may be built into your PC. The router wirelessly connects your PC to the Internet by transmitting the information to your modem. (If you plug your PC right into the modem, you can skip to the next section).

One of the most common problems leading to a sluggish wireless Internet connection has to do with the physical layout of your computer and the router. Since your router has to send the information to your computer’s modem, the transmitted information is susceptible to interruption and blockage by your home.

For example, if there is a substantial wall between your wireless router and your PC, the signal is being partially interrupted. This problem is particularly pronounced if you have your PC in the basement, and your router upstairs (or vice versa). The walls, floors, and joists will all work to block the signal.

Also consider other appliances in your home. Cordless phones will occasionally work on the same wavelength as wireless routers, leading to problems with both. Large appliances, like refrigerators, can singlehandedly degrade a wireless signal. The best solution is to have a direct, line-of-sight route between your router and PC. If that’s not possible, ensure there are as few blockages as possible.

The second major issue with wireless Internet slowdowns is leeching neighbours. This is prominent with those living in apartments, typically. In this case, a neighbour is using your wireless router to connect to the Internet, and stealing your bandwidth. To prevent this, ensure that you use some form of encryption, with a safe password, to protect the connection. Your Internet service provided can give more information about this.

Web Browser Problems

Whether you use Internet Explorer, Firefox, Safari, Opera, or Chrome, your web browser is that application which lets you visit websites. These browsers can sometimes be the very thing slowing you down.

Toolbars are one way your browser can slow your Internet connection. Toolbars are add-ons that add special functions to your web browser. Some toolbars include search tools and others give information about the site you are reading. There are countless toolbars, with countless functions. How many do you have? These toolbars take a portion of your bandwidth for their various tasks, depending what they do. Even a single toolbar can significantly affect the time it takes for a page to load.

Another issue is that of the browser’s cache and temp files. These are file created during the web browsing process, which make some things easier and faster. They will store an image on a page, for example, so your browser doesn’t have to load it again next time you visit the site. However, over time these files add up. It’s wise to clear out your cache and temp files periodically, so these files are not weighing your browser down.

Driver Problems

Your modem connects to your router, and thereby lets you connect to the Internet. But how does your computer know what to do with the modem? This is where drivers come in. Drivers are specialized, small programs that work with your hardware. There are drivers for minors, mice, keyboards, and every physical item you connect to your PC. Drivers let your hardware communicate with your computer. If you have a problem with your modem driver, then that modem will not be able to connect with your PC properly. Ensuring that you have a correct, and up-to-date modem is key here.

Malware

Finally, malware such as adware, spyware, and other infections can slow down your Internet connection. Malware, short for malicious software, is any kind of nasty digital bug that tries to attack your PC. For one thing, these malware bugs may try to download more malware on your system. This consumes bandwidth as the additional programs are downloaded. Next, many kinds of malware “call home” for more instructions or to be remotely commanded by their designer. The bottom line: besides being dangerous, malware give you a slow Internet connection. Remove them pronto.

How To Do It

The “Wireless Problems” category will require some legwork on your part, perhaps rearranging your computer or calling your ISP. However, the latter three categories, Web Browser Problems, Driver Problems, and Malware, can all be taken care of with automatic software. There are many different software developers that offer solutions here, but I like to keep things simple. I use PC Health Advisor, since this one program can take care of all these issues. With its main scan, the program will:

• Scan for toolbars
• Clean the cache and temp files
• Look for driver problems
• Remove malware

This way, you don’t have to worry about using multiple programs, and figuring out how to do all the individual tasks above. You can learn more about PC Health Advisor here, or you can download the program below.

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