Many factors play into the broadband speed you’re getting; the type of broadband you have purchased, the provider, how close you are to an exchange, your devices and the software settings on your PC or phone. Here’s a list of changes that you can make that could improve your broadband speed.
1. Control Bandwidth Hogging Background Apps
Spotify, Dropbox, Skype, iPlayer and others are big offenders for automatically running in the background on your PC which can in turn negatively affect your broadband speed. Downloaded apps such as those mentioned above are often defaulted to launch on startup and to send content to other users even when they are switched off.
To stop programmes running on your machine click Ctrl+Alt+Del and at Processes select End Task on any programmes you want to stop. Find out how to customize startup programs in any version of Microsoft Windows or Apple Mac.
2. The Latest Browsers are Kinder to Broadband Speed
Old browsers can be sluggish and neglected by developers for keeping it in shape. Internet Explorer is the probably the biggest culprit for slow speeds and in general lags behind other browsers such as Google Chrome, Opera, Mozilla Firefox and Microsoft’s replacement for Internet Explorer – Microsoft Edge. Upgrade to the latest browser technology if you can. Regardless upgrading to the latest version of your browser of choice is always a quick, easy and free way to getting faster browsing experience.
3. Out of Date Anti-Virus – Slowly Killing your Programmes
Out of date anti-virus software can cause your whole computer to slow down. Browsing is probably the worst affected area making a routine online search a longwinded process. It may also be worth shopping around for anti-virus providers to see which one uses the least about of memory to run. Most anti-virus programmes are a huge resource drains on RAM and since they only protect computer against 40% of malware you may want to consider a more comprehensive cyber solution. If you are continuing to use anti-virus software, ensure it is from a reputable brand is up to date and is light on memory.
4. Remove Unwanted Browser Extensions
Each browser extension takes up a little bit of speed. Review all the browser extensions you have installed and remove any that you don’t use frequently.
5. Stop Automatic Software Updates and Improve that Broadband Speed
Automatic software updates can eat up a significant amount of bandwidth without asking, for example, Apple. Switch off the option to automatically update in the programme’s settings. Updating security related software such as anti-virus should be based on your company cyber security policy. choose manual updates. Once automatic updates are switched off, you should manually check for and install updates on a regular basis.
6. Clear your Cache to Boost Internet Speed
Caching holds a lot of data such as images and web page information from recent websites visited so that they load quicker if you revisit, however when its full your PC needs to work harder to delete files to make space for new ones slowing it down. While this doesn’t make a massive difference to your speed it helps a little! It’s also quick and easy to remove your browser history and cache.
7. Password Protect your Wi-Fi to Secure your Broadband Speed
If your Wi-Fi isn’t password protected your neighbours can easily use it and cause your experience to suffer. Ensure it’s encrypted with a password from the time you switch it on. You can also change your password on a periodic basis.
8. Move your Router for a Stronger Internet Connection
Your signal will be stronger the closer your device is to a router thus improving your broadband speed. Where you place your router can make a big difference in the broadband speed you receive. Position the router high on a wall, at a central point in the property with no obstructions.
9. Try a Wireless Booster to Avoid Blackspots
Wireless boosters extend wi-fi signals rather than improving them. This is useful if you have the router on one side of the property and at another side the connection is much weaker or a black spot exists.
10. Change Frequency Channel on your Wi-Fi Router
Many routers default to the same channel, it’s worth testing out other channels to see if they deliver a higher broadband speed. Check the router manual or online to learn how to switch the channel on your router. Most routers are 2.4ghz with channels 1, 6 and 11 to choose from. Find out how to change the frequency of your router.
