How to gain Maximum Efficiency from your Broadband

Times have changed and the internet has now become as essential as the very air we breathe. We need it for almost everything starting from checking the news, keeping up with businesses, office work, watching YouTube and movies, music, homework, general information and of course as a cheap way of keeping in touch with people. In fact you name it, and the internet will be needed for it at some level or the other!

But internet comes at a price and to get the maximum benefits out of it, you first need to check if you are getting the speeds you are paying for. Aside from your internet service provider, there are some other factors too that affect your broadband speeds. These could include your computer, browser, hardware, software, router or the Wi-Fi.
Here are some ways to get maximum efficiency out of your broadband connection:

Computer Settings – Check that your computer is set for optimal download speeds as even Microsoft Windows 8 default settings aren’t optimized for high-speed internet connections and could be slowing you down. Download the free tool called ‘TCP Optimizer’ and get your settings changed to maximize your connection speeds.

Service Provider – Alternatively, talk to your ISP about your broadband package as speeds can vary over distance and you might not be getting the speeds you paid for due to the distance from the exchange. Or you could try changing your broadband package and go for higher speeds.

Web Browser – It’s important to keep your web browser up-to-date, ensuring you have the latest and fastest versions. Alternatively, you could also configure your browser itself to maximize the speed of your browsing. An example is Google Chrome which automatically pre-fetches and downloads pages in the background, which it thinks you might want to see next. Browsers like Firefox also offer ‘Image Block’ which is an add-on that you can install to enhance your speed performances.

Software programs – There are many software programs that start running in the background once you log on. These can use up quite a bit of your download allowance and slow down your PC. While some programs like updates and security are important, others can be stopped by changing the settings. Install a free version of ‘PC Speed Up’ for better control over these software programs.

Router/Modem – Use a router that’s compatible with your internet speeds and performance; for wireless routers, reposition your router and ensure there are no obstructions in the way.