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