Next Generation Database

If the speed of your Internet connection is vital to your online enjoyment, slow downloads may be frustrating. Luckily, there are several ways to increase download speed.

There is nothing worse than slow download speeds. Download speed refers to the rate data is transferred from the Internet to your computer and is measured in kilobits per second (kbps), kilobytes per second (KBps), megabits per second (Mbps) and megabytes per second (MBps).

Learn About Your Internet Connection:

Your maximum download speed will depend on your computer's Internet connection.

Types of Internet Connections:

Dial-up internet connections are connected through your phone line and are the most basic type of internet connections.
Broadband internet connections provide high speed internet access.

Test Your Download Speed:

Testing your connection will tell you if you are getting the speed promised by your Internet service provider. There are many online programs that allow you to test your internet connection for free. During an online speed test the website will send your computer a file and then measure how long it takes to download.

Mcafee: Speedometer.

The results will be given in the form of a transfer rate (e.g., kbps).


Optimize Your Computer:

Use a TCP Optimizer to optimize your computer.

Prioritize Downloads:

Remember, your Internet connection provides a finite bandwidth capacity. The more files you try downloading at a time, the slower each download will be.

Disable add-ons and extra tool bars.

Try downloading off peak hours (5 pm to 11 pm).

Try downloading when you are not using your computer for anything else.

Limit the number of programs running while you download.