Internet Speed Test

Are you getting what you pay for from your Internet Service Provider?

Do pages take an age to load and downloads forever?

Take this simple tests to see how fast your Internet Connection really is.

There are two tests I want you to try. The first is a little less accurate then the second but it provides a simple graph so that you can better understand your result. The second gives you the result but with no explanation. You should use both results to interprete your results.

1. Speedtest
2. ZDnet
3. Speakeasy

Be sure that you have no other internet activity: checking emails, virus or other program updates.

Close down any non-essential programs; this is more of an issue if your PC is of a low specification (typically 4 years old or more).

You will find varying performance depending on the day and time of day. This is because you share a much faster connection with many other users and you are typically 'capped' at your quoted speed.

What Speed do I need?

For general Internet use (email, research, shopping) then 0.5mb is fine but 1mb is recommended.

If you are interested in watching TV or making phone calls then you should read my article on Recommended Internet Speeds. 

Internet & Web