Internet and Download Speed

[fiddler_on_the_roof]

My internet speed has been slow. EX. pages take much longer to load than they used too, and I often have to refresh a page to get it to load. Also, my download speed is about 30 times slower than usual, about 12 kb/s. however, a speed test says it is normal. all of this started after a 10 day break where the computer was unplugged from power completely.

is there something i can try to do to fix this, or at least find out what is causing this?

[501st_commander]

clear temperaty insternet files and reset the router (unplug for a little bit) is the first try.

[fiddler_on_the_roof]

ok, but there is no router

[lucasfart]

Well then I'd highly recommend getting one. If that is the case, I'm guessing you have dialup, in which case the only thing you could do to speed it up is to get a router and upgrade to broadband.

If you just don't get what he means by the router, its a little black box which you plug your computers ethernet cable into.

[fiddler_on_the_roof]

Well then I'd highly recommend getting one. If that is the case, I'm guessing you have dialup, in which case the only thing you could do to speed it up is to get a router and upgrade to broadband.

If you just don't get what he means by the router, its a little black box which you plug your computers ethernet cable into.

I don't have dial-up. the problem is not with the normal speed. it's with the fact that when (mainly on Gametoast)(after a ten day break in computer use) I get messages that sites are taking too long to respond, something that didn't happen before the 10 day break

[Twilight_Warrior]

This sounds like a problem that you should contact your Internet Service Provider for...

[MercuryNoodles]

DSL can have a fluctuating download rate, if you're not on cable. It can also be the state of the network, or the server. Simply put, lots of connections to a single server (peak hour usage) can make it slow to respond, and a network problem could be any sort of problem between your system and the computer you're trying to connect with. The most you could really do is check your physical connections (make sure all wires and cables are seated properly), reset the modem, reset the router, or even reboot the system (preferrablly shutting down for enough time to cool the hardware, then powering up). I know you mention a break in use, but even if it's not at load, a computer system can have problems with heat buildup, if left on.

Also, it might be a good idea to make sure the modem itself is up to date. If it's a few years old, it's time to trade it in for a new one. Actually, the same can also be applied to the router. I had one burn out on me a short while back (I was only able to use instant messengers, or had no connection whatsoever), and it was a nightmare to diagnose. I'd have found it myself if I'd remembered to reboot at the end of my first attempt to bypass the thing. Yes, I'm sitting here chatting with you all without a router, and I'm not in internet Hades. It's only a hardware firewall, after all. Really.

Anyway, yeah, first thing's first. Make sure everything is okay on your end, then consider contacting support if everything's actually working. Try to eliminate any localized network issues as a problem as well. Your ISP can't do much about a server or network issue with a single website, since that would be up to their (the site's) webhosting service. My money's on the modem, or a network issue like massive pack loss somewhere along the line.

[fiddler_on_the_roof]

ok, thanks

--can be locked--