| ign="center"> | | | | browser as this will help keep you safe when you surf. |
| Sometimes the speed of your broadband connection | | | | It is also sometimes worth trying new internet |
| can be really frustrating however there are things you | | | | browsers - CheckoutSpy recommends trying Opera. |
| can do which may help speed your broadband | | | | 4. Application Check |
| connection up. | | | | There are lots of applications which start up in the |
| 1. Test Your Speed | | | | background when you start your PC. Make sure you |
| The first thing to do is check the speed of your | | | | set as many programs as possible to not run |
| connection using a broadband speed tester. This will | | | | automatically to free up resources on your PC. Also |
| allow you to see how fast your connection really is | | | | ensure that any P2P software is turned off whenever |
| and will help you diagnose whether the slow speeds | | | | you are not using it - often, you may think you are |
| you are experiencing are because of your home | | | | closing a program down but it is still running in the |
| network or because of your ISP. | | | | background, using some of your broadband connection |
| 2. Router Position | | | | speed. |
| Where your router is placed can make a massive | | | | 5. Secure your WiFi |
| difference to the speed of your broadband connection | | | | Make sure that you secure your wireless network with |
| if you are using a wireless connection. Check how | | | | a strong password and with the latest encryption |
| strong a signal your computer is recieving - if it is low, | | | | techniques. This ensures that no 'chancers' will borrow |
| move the router around until you find a stronger signal. | | | | your internet connection, thus you will have your |
| Generally speaking, you will want to place your router | | | | internet connection to yourself. |
| away from other wireless signals (e.g. cordless | | | | Finally, if you still are unhappy with the speed of your |
| phones) and you will want to put as few physical | | | | broadband connection, consider comparing the latest |
| barriers such as doors and walls between your router | | | | broadband prices and switching to a new supplier. |
| and your computer. | | | | However do remember that there are some factors |
| 3. Check your browser | | | | which will have a massive effect on the speed of your |
| Every time you visit a webpage, your browser will | | | | connection - for example your distance from the local |
| 'cache' it. All these items get stored on your hard drive. | | | | telephone exchange. If you live miles from your local |
| It is advisable to clear out your cache from time to | | | | exchange, you will never be able to get super-quick |
| time as it can help your browser function more | | | | broadband speeds. |
| effectively. Be warned though - if you clear your | | | | About CheckoutSpy |
| cookies out, you may find you have to enter | | | | CheckoutSpy is a leading price comparison website. If |
| usernames and passwords again to your favourite | | | | you are looking for a shopping bargain, make sure you |
| sites so ensure you have a note of these before you | | | | visit CheckoutSpy to compare prices and get the |
| clear all your cookies out! | | | | latest deals & special offers. |
| Make sure you also have the latest version of your | | | | |