The internet is a wonderful thing to have until it doesn’t work as intended. Remember the days of dial-up service? It seemed to take forever to load a single page. Today, internet service is greatly improved, but some users still find they have a slow connection. What are some of the most common explanations for slow internet speed?
Multiple Users
When multiple individuals access the internet using the same connection, the speed of the service slows. Any device that is sitting idle doesn’t have a negative effect on the service, but each device that is operational and making use of the internet can slow the speed. To obtain fast download speeds, changes may need to be made to the system to allow for this increased usage. Speak to the internet service provider to find the right setup for your specific needs.
Unnecessary Software
Computer users often purchase new programs to replace existing ones and neglect to remove the old program from the system. This uses up precious memory in the system and can lead to slow internet speeds. Be sure to remove old programs when they are replaced to avoid this issue. Furthermore, be sure to close any running programs that aren’t currently being used to boost the speed of the internet. Countless people fail to do so only to find their internet is moving like molasses.
Malware
Any malware that has made its way into the system will slow the speed of the connection. Be sure to use a security program regularly to detect programs of this type and remove them. This helps to increase the speed while also protecting any information that is being shared on the computer. The malware is damaging the system and bringing about the slow speeds, so be sure to update the antivirus program regularly to detect any new threats that have appeared since the last update. One can never be too careful when it comes to this.
Equipment Issues
If internet speed seems to be lagging, it may be an issue of outdated or damaged equipment. New programs often require more power as well as additional processing capabilities. If the equipment cannot keep up, this will be seen in a decrease in the internet speed. Furthermore, if the equipment is damaged in any way, the internet speed will decrease. In worst case scenarios, the internet won’t work at all. Check the equipment to determine if this is where the problem lies and obtain new devices immediately.
Bandwidth
As a network expands, more bandwidth is needed to handle the additional load. However, many internet users assume they can make their network bigger with no issues. When the system slows down, they blame it on numerous other problems. Speak to the internet provider, explain the workload that is being handled, and ask if an increase in bandwidth will be of benefit. Many users find this is exactly what is needed to ensure their systems are up and running at an optimal speed at all times.
Numerous things lead to slow internet speeds. The five mentioned above could be contributing to the problem, but many other things could affect performance as well. Don’t hesitate to speak to the ISP to learn what else needs to be checked when investigating this issue. Most providers are happy to help, as they want their customers to be satisfied at all times.
Great tips we all can use.