10 Ways to Speed Up Your Internet Connection Without Spending a Dime

If you’re looking for an inexpensive way to boost your network speed, you’re in luck. We’ve got some proven methods for getting faster connections, at no cost. Check out these 10 ways to speed up your internet connection without spending a dime:

1. OpenDNS – Free software protection against malware, botnets, and web filtering, thus providing faster internet speeds and greater reliability.
2. AnalogX FastCache – Install a DNS server on your computer that caches queries that you make to websites, which will speed access to data at websites you visit regularly. Think of it as a sort of internet speed dial.
3. Defrag Your Hard Drive – De-fragmenting your drive essentially reallocates where your data is stored in such a way as to make access to it more streamlined and, therefore, faster.
4. Run a Virus Scan – If your computer speed has dropped off significantly, it may be the sign of a virus present. Use a quality anti-virus program to scan your computer files, and delete, clean or quarantine as necessary.
5. Switch from wired to wireless where possible. – A short-run ethernet cable will always be faster than a wireless connection. If you can position your computer close enough to the router for a wired connection, do so.
6. Check for wireless interference. – Your wireless router may be getting some interference if there is a cordless phone, or wireless camera nearby, as they may share frequency ranges.
7. Check for RF leakage on cable coaxial connectors. – If your cable network has slowed down noticeably, you may have too many splitters, or a faulty connection, causing RF leakage, either indoors or externally. Check with your provider for troubleshooting.
8. Upgrade router firmware. – Your router manufacturer has a website for each model, where you can access firmware updates as well as admin settings. Check for any available updates which could boost your speed.
9. Check Your Start Menu – Some programs and applications are set to launch as soon as your computer boots up. Not all of these programs are necessary, and some of them are probably apps or programs you’ve downloaded and may never really use. Do a CTL -ALT- DEL and select Start Task manager. Look for any programs that you can safely disable, to speed up your computer.
10. Optimize your Internet Options – Set your internet options (under “Tools” in your browser menu) to cache automatically, and save temporary internet files in order to alleviate your computer having to repeatedly load pages that you access frequently.

Taken From Internet Service Providers