1044 words >>> Speeding Up Your Internet Connection by Garth Catterall-Heart The speed at which you can receive e-mail and surf the web is determined by the following factors: 1) the speed of your computer, 2) the speed of your modem, 3) the type of Internet connection you have, 4) the quality of that connection and 5) the number of other users using the same connection. Let's review each of these factors. > Computer Speed The speed of your computer is measured by the number of instructions your central processing unit (CPU) can handle in one second (MHz). The original Pentium processor was rated between 50 and 100 MHz. The most recent processors can now process data at a blistering 500 - 2000 MHz. The faster your computer's CPU is, the faster it can load information into your browser window. > Modem Speed The speed of your modem is measured by the number of bits of information that can be transferred in one second. Most modems being manufactured today have a rating of 56 Kbps (Kbps = one thousand bits per second). This is the highest practical limit for analog (as opposed to digital) modems over regular telephone lines. ISDN, DSL and Cable modems operate at faster speeds because they are either digital or are not constrained by the limitations of conventional telephone lines. > Analog vs Digital There are two basic types of connection you can have to the Internet. These include dial-up (normal service via an analog modem, which requires a new connection be established), and subscriber line service (where you have a dedicated line that is always connected to the Internet). Cable, DSL and T1 connections are examples of digital subscriber lines. ISDN is a faster dial-up service that requires special telephone wiring. > Connection Quality The quality of your connection to the Internet is particularly important if you have regular analog dial-up service. Noisy phone lines can keep your connection speed to 28 Kbps or lower, even if you have a 56K modem. Having a separate phone line, with no other equipment (fax machines, answering machines or extension phones) attached, is one way to avoid noisy lines and keep your connection speed up. A much more detailed explanation of this problem, and its solutions, can be found at: http://www.houston.tx.us/internet/28800-baud.shtml > Internet Congestion The number of users using a particular connection is also a factor. If you share a connection with many other users, such as in an office or with a cable modem, the problem is particularly noticeable. But with any kind of connection, at peak usage periods, the whole Internet tends to slow down, because of the amount of information being sent and requested, throughout the World Wide Web. > There are many ways to speed up your Internet connection. > Here's a brief explanation of some of your options: ISDN (Integrated Services Digital Network) is a digital service offered by the phone company that requires a special modem and phone line. It costs several hundred dollars to get set up and you are charged per minute, but it is available in many areas that DSL and Cable are not. Both dial-up and subscriber line options are available. A 128 Kbps ISDN line offers integrated voice, data, video and image transmission over a single telephone line, with vastly increased quality and data due to digital transmission. CABLE service is becoming available in most areas. There are many pros and cons to this service. Cable modems are relatively expensive, but there are no per minute charges. Although a cable modem is capable of providing downstream transmissions of 500 Kbps to 30,000 Kbps, there are limiting factors that will significantly reduce these speeds, including your computer's ability to handle Internet traffic, and the number of users using the cable. The practical limit is currently about 200 Kbps which still very fast. DSL (Digital Subscriber Lines) while theoretically slower than cable, can match the 200 Kbps rate and are capable of speeds up to 1500 Kbps. The down sides are that DSL modems are more expensive than regular modems and service is not available in many areas. The advantage is that DSL users can receive voice and data simultaneously, so small offices can leave computers plugged into the Net without interrupting phone connections. SYSTEM TUNING - If you live in an area that does not offer DSL or Cable Internet service and/or you can not afford the price of the faster modems and connections, there are still some things you can do to increase your computers ability to transfer information over the modem. Here are a couple of programs that can help PC users tune up their computers: Modem Booster - works with all dial-up connections, Version v2.1 boosts your speed on AOL, CompuServe 2000 and optimizes Windows 2000 to speed up surfing. Modem Booster tweaks your Internet connection settings to match with your ISP's so that your surfing speed is really at its optimum. - http://www.inklineglobal.net/products/mb/index.html TurboSurfer2000 - has a built in "high speed memory" that will instantly recall where web sites are located so your computer finds what you are looking for INSTANTLY. Turbo Surfer increases the performance of your computer by "opening up the pipeline" so that the information flows FASTER. http://about-the-web.com/internet-guide/TurboSurfer.shtml If you prefer the do-it-yourself method, consult CNET Features - How To - Internet Speed Tweaks - at: http://www.cnet.com/Content/Features/Howto/Netspeed In conclusion, I would recommend Cable for those that can get it. DSL has the advantage that you can use your telephone at the same time as you surf the Internet at very fast speeds. A system tune-up is the least expensive solution and may make an appreciable difference for many PC users. (c) Copyright 2000, Garth Catterall-Heart, All rights reserved. SpiritWorks Software Development Easy to Use Software for Small Businesses, Retailers, Auction Sellers, Self-Employed Professionals, Hospitality and other Rental Property Managers. 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