How to Find the Upload and Download Speed on Your PC
Here is how you can easily determine the Upload and Download speed you are achieving with your Internet Service Provider (ISP).
[edit] Steps
- Turn on your computer.
- If you have a DSL or Cable modem (or any other constant broadband connection), skip to step 3. Dial-up users must establish a connection using ISP software or using the dial-up utility built into your system. Usually this will entail plugging in to the phone line, clicking on the dial-up icon on your desktop (in your programs list), putting in a username and password (often times this step is done automatically by your system). Once your account is verified you should be connected.
- Open your internet browser. Many times your ISP will provide a browser. If you are using a windows-based PC, then Internet Explorer would be included for browsing. On Macintosh Machines, Safari is the included web browser.
- Navigate to the Broadband Reports website. In the URL or address bar of your browser type the following http://www.broadbandreports.com/stest. This site is full of tests and tips to find out your upload and download speeds and to improve them. To test speed locate the menu on the left side of the main page. Click on the Tools link. Then click on the Speed Test Link.
- Choose the location of your test. You will see a list of testing server locations. It is best to choose a server nearest to you, but also note the traffic level of the server; low traffic level is better than high traffic. So if the nearest server is also the highest in traffic, than choose another location. Once you have chosen a location click on it.
- A new page will appear and in it a small Java window. Press the Start button when prompted and your speed test will begin. After a few seconds you will be given both your upload speed and your download speed.
[edit] Tips
- This site has many great tips on maximizing your broadband speeds.
- They can also compare your speeds to those of others in your area or with your same ISP.
