How to Enhance a Dial-Up Connection

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Step1

Check your modem speed while you are online. Move the cursor over the computer icon in your toolbar or right click it to find out your modem speed. Go into the control panel and right click the modem icon, then click on properties. Make sure the modem is set at 56K minimum. You should update the driver for the modem as well. You may have to buy a new modem to obtain 56k speed if it is older.

Step2

Contact your Internet Service Provider (ISP) to find out what their connection speed is supposed to be. Some ISP's will deliberately reduce bandwidth to late-payers or those who exceed time on line; check with the ISP for their terms.

Step3

Choose an ISP that is not top-heavy with additional programs that will slow down your computer speed. Some ISP's give you a CD or DVD to install to obtain their services, filled with programs that you may already have or may not need. An example would be a disk that has AOL or Messenger on it, but those programs are already installed from your operating system.

Step4

Remove large programs that are on the start-up menu. Go to Programs and select Start-Up to see what programs are loaded on start-up. Graphic intensive programs that are automatically loaded will slow down the dial-up connection. For example, a greeting card program or photo program can be removed from the start-up menu; this will enhance the speed of your computer. The programs will still be on the computer, but you will have to open them manually when you want to use them.

Step5

Unplug all other phones in your house, then connect to the internet. If your speed is greatly enhanced, then you may want to repair or filter the phone lines. You could also get a new phone line that is dedicated only to the dial-up connection.

Step6

Clean out your computer regularly; delete old programs that you don't use anymore and empty the trash bin. Go to Programs>Accessories>System Tools and select "disk cleanup." After the disk has been cleaned, go back and defragment.

Step7

Go online and, while using the browser, go to "Tools" and select "Internet Options". Under the "General" tab, click on "delete cookies" then click on "delete files" under the Temporary Internet section of the page. This will clear out cookies from each site you've visited. It will not clear out any "Favorites" pages you've saved.

Step8

Add a good anti-spyware program along with an anti-virus program. Spyware will slow your computer and dial-up connection, some even spy on your keystrokes. AVG offers an excellent free anti-spyware program.

Step9

Call your local phone company to inquire about their progress on getting dsl lines to your home. Write down the name of the person you've spoken to, the date and their answer. Check dsl progress frequently and complain if no progress is mad