Six Steps to a Faster Broadband Connection 3

5. Optimize Software Settings

Now that your cable or DSL line is as clean as you can make it, you're ready to tweak your system and applications for maximum performance, too.
For optimizing network performance parameters in Windows XP, Vista, or 7, we like TotalIdea Software's Tweak-XP Pro Premium, TweakVI Premium and Tweak 7, and Both programs simplify optimization without requiring you to understand Registry editing or hidden Windows settings. Both packages include dozens of tweaks in addition to network and browser adjustments. The Pro version of Network Magic, an excellent network monitoring utility, includes optimization capabilities as well.
The free Firetune utility optimizes low-level Firefox settings to speed up browsing.System-level optimization is less important in Vista and 7 than in XP, since Vista and 7 tune your TCP stack dynamically. In fact, Vista/7 users can probably get away with just optimizing specific applications, especially their browsers. To speed up Firefox page displays, try Firetune or Fasterfox. Both are free and one-click easy. Fasterfox adds a few more customization options for expert users. Both tweak low-level Firefox settings such as cache memory capacity, maximum simultaneous connections, and "pipelining" (performing multiple data requests simultaneously).

6. Accelerate Your Downloads

Frequent downloaders can save huge amounts of time by using a download manager like our favorite, FlashGet. FlashGet creates multiple simultaneous download links, and then puts the file together afterward. All you do is click or drag download links to the FlashGet window; the program does the rest. It integrates with Internet Explorer, and works with Firefox using a companion utility called FlashGot.

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Six Steps to a Faster Broadband Connection

1. Test Your Connection Speed

Speedtest.net gives you a quick snapshot of your connection speed to help you diagnose problems.Before you start tweaking, get a baseline reading of your downstream and upstream connection speeds at Speedtest.net. If possible, measure the speeds at different times of day, especially during the hours when you use the connection most frequently, and at least once after midnight or 1:00 a.m. (when competition for bandwith is likely to be at its lowest level).

2. Update Your Firmware or Get a New Modem

If your cable or DSL modem is more than a couple of years old, ask your Internet service provider for a new one. The exchange will probably be free; and if there is a fee, you can usually waive it by agreeing to a new one-year contract. The latest cable modems meet the DOCSIS 3.0 (Data Over Cable Service Interface Specification) standard. If you have a 1.1 or 2.0 modem and a high-throughput plan, you'll likely experience a large speed increase just by swapping modems.
Even with a brand-new modem, make sure that you have the latest firmware installed. I upgraded my two-year-old Efficient Networks 5100b DSL modem from firmware version 1.0.0.39 to 1.0.0.53, and immediately saw my Speedtest throughput increase from 5.3 mbps to 5.9 mbps, just a hair below the 6 mbps that I'm paying for. Cable providers such as Comcast usually push new firmware to modems, so there's no need for most cable modem users to perform upgrades themselves.
To update your DSL modem, you'll have to connect to its Web interface, which means that you'll need to know the IP address of the modem on your local network. This information should be in your user manual; alternatively, you can find default settings for most modems on the Internet. The address will probably look something like 192.168.100.1 or 192.168.0.1. Enter this character string into your browser, and the Web interface should come up. You'll likely have to sign in, using either a security code printed on the bottom of the modem or a default username and password (unless you previously changed it). Write down the log-in information for future reference.
This DSL modem status page shows several useful pieces of information, including the firmware number, the age of the modem, and actual connection speeds.Once you've logged in, check the firmware number on the status page, and see whether a newer version of the firmware is available on the manufacturer's site. If it is, download this more recent firmware to your PC, and then find and run the firmware update procedure from the modem's browser utility. Reboot, rerun Speedtest, and see whether your data is traveling faster. Besides boosting transfer speeds, using a new modem or updated firmware can solve a host of nagging connection issues, such as intermittent dropouts.

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Six Steps to a Faster Broadband Connection 2

3. Check Your Modem Parameters

By rooting around in your modem's status screens, you can find such key pieces of information as signal-to-noise ratio and line attenuation, two determinants of line quality.While you're updating the firmware, check some key parameters. First, the maximum allowed speeds (both downstream and up) should match your service plan. If they don't, your ISP didn't set your service up properly. Give your ISP a call and ask it to fix the setup remotely.
Second, look for signal-to-noise ratio (or SN margin) and line attenuation, both measured in decibels (dB). The lower the signal-to-noise ratio, the more interference you have, and the greater the number of packets that will need to be re-sent because they didn't come through the first time. For this reason, a noisy line can dramatically cut throughput. Line attenuation measures the drop in voltage that comes with splitting the signal (especially for cable modems) and with long runs of cable or older wiring. Excessive signal loss will cause a drop in throughput.
For DSL modems, anything above about 50 dB for line attenuation is poor, and 20 to 30 dB is excellent. For signal-to-noise ratio, 7 to 10 dB is marginal, and 20 to 28 dB is excellent. My modem's SN margin registered at 12.5 dB, barely reaching the good range, and its line attenuation reading was 30.5 dB, which rates as very good. Note that acceptable ranges may vary depending on your service level and modem type (faster connections need to be cleaner), so check with your cable or DSL provider to see what numbers you should look for.

4. Troubleshooting Line Quality

If your off-peak Speedtest numbers didn't measure up to your plan's specifications, and if you found poor signal-to-noise or line attenuation numbers, it's time to troubleshoot your wiring. Excessive noise may cause intermittent dropouts, too.
Your first task is to determine whether the signal is already degraded when it reaches your house or whether your own wiring is at fault. To test this, move your cable modem as close as you can to where the wire first splits. If possible, take a laptop and power cord for your modem outside to the junction where it connects to the house. Retest and see if things improve. If they don't, call your cable company. If your own wiring looks to be at fault, reduce the number of splits that occur before the wiring reaches your modem, and/or replace the wire itself, which may be faulty. The ultimate solution for cable modems is to create a split directly after the junction box, and then run a clean new cable directly to your modem, using the other split for all of your TVs (which are less affected by noise).
For DSL modems, noisy inside wiring tends to be due to the other phone equipment on your line. This interference is supposed to be controlled by the filters placed between the wall jack and each device. Make sure that they are all in place. If you still have too much noise, the best solution is to install a "DSL/POTS splitter' immediately after the phone box, where the wiring comes into the house, and then run a dedicated "homerun" wire straight to the modem. This arrangement will completely isolate your modem from the regular phone wiring--and the new wire should help too.
If you don't want to do this job yourself, you can ask your cable or phone company to perform both tasks for a fee.
Finally, improper grounding can be a source of noise, especially on cable. Make sure that all of your TV equipment is plugged into properly grounded outlets, with polarized plugs oriented in the right direction, and without any three-prong-to-two-prong adapters. If you have an electric outlet tester, use it to check for excess voltage on your cable wiring. An electrician can find and fix any grounding problems, which are safety concerns as well.

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Skype: How to Use It

I’d start by automatically assuming everyone knows what Skype is – but many people don’t. Therefore, a little background info for those of you living under a rock. (I was one of you until just last week!) Well, ok, I’d heard of Skype prior to that, but I’d never used it. And I certainly had no idea just how varied the services they offer are. After a little searching, I must confess I’m feeling a little ridiculous that I’ve only just installed the program last week.

Skype is, basically, a way to call anyone in the world – for free.

Anyone who has a computer, or Skype-capable phone, that is. So, yeah, it might not work if your family are nomads in the Mojave. Otherwise, you could probably manage it.

How do I get it?

You go to www.skype.com and download it. It took a few minutes to install on my iMac, and as soon as I registered a call-name, it was ready to go. It was that simple. Seriously.

What do I have to pay for?

Nothing! It’s FREE to create a call name, and free to call anyone else with Skype. No hidden charges, no expiration dates. Just free.

Do I need a microphone and headset?

Possibly. My iMac came with a built-in mic and built-in speakers and that’s all I use. If your computer or phone is already equipped for this, you needn’t buy anything either. If you do need a mic and headset – or if you simply just want one – you can buy one from your local electronics store for cheap.

How do I make a call?

You just log into Skype, click on the contact you want to call, and press the call button. It will then ring them – like a phone – and they can answer. Just like a real phone, really.

This is too weird, I prefer a phone.

Guess what? They sell USB phones now. You can get one for cheap from the electronics store, take it home, connect it to your USB port, and voila. Or, you could buy a Skype-enabled cordless phone handset, which will divert calls to something like a cordless phone. So don’t let the mic/headset thing put you off.

Does it sound strange, talking through a computer?

I’m sure the quality of your speakers will have something to do with it, but I can honestly tell you it sounds very phone-like on my Mac.
What else can I do for free with Skype?
You can cam-call. Yeah, all you need is the camera. Just select the option and you’re ready to go. You can also instant message. Not sure why this would be preferable, though. Unless, of course, you’re at work and don’t want the boss to know you’re not working!
By now you’ve realized Skype is pretty cool. It may not be a necessity in the US, where local calls are free, but over here in Europe, they aren’t. You pay every time you call someone, unless you’re dialing an 800 number. And you pay by the minute, which makes Skype a Godsend. It’s particularly fantastic when making naughty phone calls to another country – free calls mean you can take your time and have a proper conversation.

How to use Skype

Instructions

 Open a Skype Account. Go to www.skype.com

1. • 1. (Computer->Computer) Search for your friends online. Add them by (Contacts / Add Contact). This is a free service.
   • 2. (Computer->Phone). This is called SKYPE OUT. You can dial any fixed or mobile phone where around the world if you add credit in your SKYPEOUT account (go to www.skypeout.com). Paypal and Credit card are supported. You can either add 10 EURO or 25 EURO at one time. Calls are cheap (depending on country), and are relatively comparable to IP cards. Remember to dial the country prefix!
   • 2. (Phone->Computer). This is called SKYPE IN. This is a VERY convenient service. SKYPE IN (www.skypein.com)allows you to reserve a phone number in a country of choice. The cost is 30 EURO a year, or 10 EURO for 3 months. This allows you to hand out a local number to friends / work collegues in a different country (so they are charged only a local call), and when they call you, your SKYPE on your computer will ring (no matter where you are in the world!). This is handy if you want to have a number on your business card for a country that you do not reside. The only cost to you is the yearly rental of the number, and the caller is charged a normal phone call charge.

Tips & Warnings

• It is worth buying the voicemail service. If your computer is switched off, people can use messages.
• There are many skype accessories. You can purchase a SKYPE PHONE, which simply plugs into your USB port, and you can use it like a normal phone (as long as your computer is switched on!)
• If you have a mobile PDA with wireless LAN, you can download the pocket-pc version, and use SKYPE from your PDA.