How to Fight Slow Internet Speeds

Streaming your favorite TV shows online or browsing websites with a slow internet connection can be inconvenient because you can hardly watch videos without buffering and it may take you a long time to load websites if your internet has turtle-like speed. Fortunately, there are solutions that can help ensure you get a speedy connection. Here are different ways how you can fight slow internet speeds and enjoy a faster connection:

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• Use an Antivirus Program

You may already be aware of the dangers of having malware and spyware in your PC. Malicious programs can spy on your online activities and may even compromise your personal and financial data. What you may not be aware of is that malware can also use your bandwidth and slow down your internet speed. You should therefore ensure that you have a reliable antivirus program installed on your computer to protect it against viruses and malware. If you do not have security software yet, you can install any of the free antivirus programs you can download from the internet such as AVG and Avast. These programs give basic protection against online threats that can compromise your computer’s security and slow down your internet. It also helps if you make it a habit to observe safe browsing habits. Remember that downloading files online such as attachments from emails can put your computer at risk of getting infected with viruses and spyware.

• Add a Password to Your Wireless Network

If you are using a VoIP service such as RingCentral’s virtual PBX on your mobile device, it is essential that you have access to a fast and stable Wi-Fi network so you can make quality calls. Unfortunately, you will have issues with your wireless internet if there are a lot of people leeching your connection. Be aware that more people can access your Wi-Fi if it is not protected with a password. You should therefore add a password to your wireless network so only authorized users can use your internet service. Make sure that you also choose a good password to prevent leechers from bypassing your Wi-Fi’s security.

• Turn Off Wireless Devices when Not in Use

If you have several wireless devices such as tablets, iPads and smartphones, see to it that you turn off their Wi-Fi access if they are not in use. Wireless devices that are connected to the internet continue to use bandwidth even if they are not in use. The email programs and social media apps that are installed on your smartphone, for example, need bandwidth to send you push notification whenever you get a new message or when somebody likes your photo on Facebook.

• Refrain from Downloading Files when You Use the Internet

Downloading large files such as music and video from the internet uses a lot of bandwidth and this can cause your internet to slow down. You should make sure to refrain from downloading files online if you are actively using the internet. You will have difficulty streaming movies and making web based phone calls if you have an active download running in the background.

• Keep Your Router Away from Objects that Cause Signal Interference

You will have trouble getting a quality and stable Wi-Fi connection if you place your router near objects that can cause signal interferences. It is therefore advised that you keep your router away from your TV, microwave oven, radio and similar other electrical and electronic devices that can cause interference with the router’s signal.  You should also avoid placing your router in an area where its signal can be obstructed by walls and other physical obstacles.

AUTHOR’S BIO

Leslie Young is a Blogger, web designer and developer for 3years.  She contributes her work to some blog sites that is related to her field of work. She usually writes about business communication, telecommunications such as business phones and cloud phones, as well as all the latest gadgets including smartphones and tablets.  Follow her on Google+.