Various niggling issues can make using your computer and access the internet a waking nightmare. However, by following a few simple steps it is usually possible to remedy the most common issues relating to download speeds, viruses and router trouble, so read on for the information that you need.
If your internet connection is not operating at the speed that you would like it to be, then there could be a few things troubling you. First it is worth checking that all of your hardware is correctly connected. This includes ensuring that every telephone point in your home has a microfilter attached, even if it does not also have a router hooked up. You should also look at how many other people and devices are connecting to the internet at the same time. If you have desktop PCs, laptops, games consoles and mobile phones all trying to use your connection, then the traffic will inevitably slow you down. If any unnecessary device is connected, then turn it off to start with the best possible setup in your home. The next step is to look at what processes and applications are running in the background on your PC. If you have an instant messenger, multiple web browser windows, a peer to peer download program and a VoIP service open, you could be struggling to get consistent speeds across the board. If you have some heavy downloading to do, it is always best to leave it running overnight if you can. Not only will this ensure that you have the best possible download speeds, but it will also free up your connection to let you perform other tasks during the day.
If your PC is afflicted by viruses and malware, a good purge is in order. You can purchase anti-virus and spyware eradicating software suites from your nearest PC superstore and you can also buy them online and download them directly to your PC. However, if you do not want to shell out, there are some excellent free packages that perform all of the basic virus-deleting functions you would expect without the price tag. Sometimes these are limited period trials, whilst others will be cut-down versions of the full package. Make sure you choose a respected brand and never download an anti-virus program if you do not trust the source, as this could well be malware posing as an innocent program to trick you.
If your router is acting up, with frequent disconnections or inaccessible wireless, then the first solution will be to turn it off at the mains and leave it off for a minute or so. If it is not fixed after a thorough restart, then you will want to delve into its controls. You can usually access these via your preferred internet browser and you should consult your manufacturer instructions for details. Make sure that your router is plugged into a microfilter before it connects to your telephone socket and do not use more than one router to access the same connection in your home, as this will confuse matters further.