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Internet Connection Enhancement.

All items below are Windows 98 compatible.


The default TCP/IP settings created when you install a Dial Up, Cable or DSL Modem program are "by default" not optimized for your computer or connection method.  After much surfing for valid tweaks and a lot of "regedit time," I stumbled upon the SpeedGuide website.  The home page has a TCP/IP analyzer which performs a check of your connection settings and gives you an on screen report of recommended changes.  Also there is a downloadable TCPOptimizer that you can run from the Desktop, and have it make the recommended changes to your settings.  SpeedGuide also has many other tips and tweaks.  Highly recommended.  Click the SpeedGuide image below to pay them a visit, or check the panel below for a screenshot of the TCPOptimizer.



Image from Speedguide.net

Young folks, don't try anything on the Parent's computer without permission.


Home Networking Icon

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Networking computers and connection sharing
If you're looking for information on how to set up a home network or how to share an internet connection you can find the answers at homenethelp.com


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DSL versus Dial Up Modem
Ever wonder if DSL is really worth it?  These images are screenshots I just took after downloading files.  Although your download speed is only as good as the server you are downloading from, this is a good example of the speed DSL provides.  Note the download speed in the bottom image.


TCPOptimizer Icon
Go get it
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TCPOptimizer
As I mentioned this is a great little tool.  It requires a restart after the changes are made, so make sure all of your programs are closed before you run it.  The changes it made doubled my DSL speeds and I never had to open the registry.  Thank you SpeedGuide.


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Dial up Modem users.
Make sure Com Port and Modem properties match.  If the flow control, stop bits and bits per second settings in the Com port properties aren't the same as those for the Modem properties it "can" cause your modem to operate at reduced efficiency.  I was skeptical until I made the changes but it made a difference.  The settings are changed using Device Manager.


Registry

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A Registry setting called: SlowNet
This one is for advanced users as it requires modifying the registry. I recommend checking out the registry page by clicking the link at the left before changing anything. However, I have read about SlowNet and removed the reference from my computer.  The easiest way to find and delete it is to click Start, Run, type in regedit and click OK. In the panel that opens click Edit, click Find and type in SlowNet and click Find Next. If found, right click on SlowNet and click delete.  There may be more than one instance of it so click Find Next if any are found.


Privacy & Security

Unnecessary Programs
Some install disks provided by ISP's contain programs which run in the background, reporting data to your ISP while you are on line.  One of which is Access Ramp.   It sounds important and it normally shows in Program Manager if you're online and hit Ctrl, Alt, Del.  Well folks, if I'm online I want my connection and PC working for me, not them.  I don't have a screen shot because it's gone.  It can usually be removed through Add/Remove programs on the control panel.  I mentioned it here because it affects your connectivity.  The link at left takes you to a page which discusses more Privacy & Security issues.


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Unnecessary Network Protocols
When installing Modem software Windows will often install two unneeded protocols in Network Neighborhood.  Although they set there unused, their presence can increase the amount of time it takes your modem to establish a connection when trying to go "on-line."  The extras are named IPX/SPX and NetBEUI.  They can be removed by right clicking Network Neighborhood, clicking Properties and in the panel that opens click once on each and click remove and then Ok.   If Windows asks for the disk, type in: C:\Windows\Options\CABS and when prompted ALWAYS click YES to keep the NEWER file.  ( Newer file issue covered in the Repair section )


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Set the Modem connection speed as high as possible
Right click My Computer, click Properties , click Device Manager and in the panel that opens click the plus by  "Modem."  Click the entry once and click properties.  In the next panel that opens click the Modem tab and and where it says "Maximum speed" set it at the highest setting.  Uncheck the "Only connect at this speed" box and then click Ok.


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Set the Modem input/output buffers to the highest settings
Use the same procedure as above, but this time click on the Connection tab and then Port settings and move the sliders all the way to the right and then click Ok.


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Force the Modem to report "True" connection speed
If you made the change mentioned in "connection speed" above, some older modems may now be saying they're connecting at 115000 kbps, which is impossible for a 56k dial up modem.  To make it report it's true connection speed, open the modem settings as we did above, click the Connection tab and then "Advanced" and enter ATW2 in the "Extra settings" box and then click Ok. ( AOL folks, this won't work for you as you can't display modem status. )


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Find out what your IP address is with Winipcfg
Unless you have a static IP address assigned by your ISP ( which requires DSL or Cable ) every time you connect you are assigned a "random" or dynamic IP address.   To see what it is, click Start, Run and type in: winipcfg and click Ok.  Up pops a little panel that displays it, and some other useful information.


To be continued....
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This page was last updated on December 16, 2015.