Internet slow, intermittent problems

[ConstipatedVigilante]

My internet has been pretty slow lately. I'm downloading Spybot S&D right now and it's only going at 13KB/s. When I try to load pages, it often fails the first time, then works after hitting refresh once or twice. Are there any network settings that would cause the internet to just...suck?

My roommate's internet is much faster, which is why I'm asking. We're on the same floor, both using wireless, and the modem is only 20 feet away. He can watch HQ videos on youtube without waiting for it to buffer, while SD videos load slow as hell for me.

 

[mpilchfamily]

May be an issue with the WiFi card in your laptop. Also make sure there isn't an IP conflct. If the Router secured or do you leave it open?

 

[ConstipatedVigilante]

The router is secured. How do I check for an IP conflict? I honestly don't know much about networking.

 

[mpilchfamily]

If its secure and there are no other devices that use the network then there isn't a likly IP conflict unless there is a setting off in your Internet settings of the router has been hacked.

Go into the Tools menue of IE, assuming your using IE, and sellect internet options. Goto the connections tab and then sellect LAN settings. Check and see if the Automatically detect settings is checked. If not check it if so uncheck it and see if that helps.

 

[ConstipatedVigilante]

I've been using Firefox, but I decided to fire up IE and see if it had the same problems. It didn't. It loaded the same videos on youtube faster, and is generally more responsive. But I generally hate IE's interface, so I'm currently downloading Opera. Does anyone have fast browser suggestions?

 

[rudder]

Are you running any website checking software? I've recently come across a problem with Avira webguard where I eventually just had to disable it because it slowed down all my web traffic to my pc.

 

[aGreenAgent]

It's not an IP conflict (almost never is....)

Opera and Chrome are both fast (I use Opera)

I would look at what's around you. Any of the following: fridge, cordless phone, microwave, other appliances, etc. If any of these are between you and your wireless source, and not between your roommate and the wireless source - then that's your problem.

 

[HardcoreRobot]

try plugging directly into the router via ethernet cable. that will let you know if it is your wireless card.

 

[MightyDrunken]

One thing I and my housemate has experienced with our wireless. Is if I am using bittorrent, even though bit torrent is fairly fast it slows down everything else. Mostly on my house mate's connection strangely. Do you or your room mate have any peer to peer programs running?