Really slow internet (at home)

[M GO BLUE!!!]

My internet connection at home has gotten so slow that web pages have difficulty loading, if they do at all. It was never the fastest connection (cheapo-dsl from verizon for $20/month) and download times were laughable, but now it's difficult to even open a stupid website.

I did a disk cleanup to remove a bunch of crap, have scanned for viruses and spyware... it still sucks. Checking the DSL modem, the lights are lit strong, so it appears the line is fine. Shutting down the modem for hours doesn't seem to help either.

The only thing that has changed in the computer lately is the RAM. I noticed the internet seemed slower than usual, and running multiple programs (like both itunes & FOF) would make the music stutter) so I bought new RAM and doubled the amount to 1GB. It improved everything but the internet speed, which just continued to slow.

Any ideas that I can try tonight?

Is there any program that I can try to find where the problem might be?

[MikeVic]

When I was getting horrible speeds on my connection at home, I called my provider and they had a web-based tool they asked me to try that measured speeds. According to the numbers I got, it was "normal," and it ended up being spyware. Try calling Verizon and telling them it seems slow? Maybe they can check something on their end.

[Bubba Wheels]

Comcast running a broadband special for 6 mos/$19.95. Add in a new laptop and WHOOOOEEEEEE!!! Welcome to the 21st Century!!!!!!!!!!!

[flounder]

I just had the same problem and it turned out to be noise on the phone line. This faq (http://www.dslreports.com/faq/vz/9._Troubleshooting) might help you troubleshoot the issue.

[sachmo71]

If it's wireless, i'd suggest changing channels.

[stevew]

i think it's www.dslreports.com that has a free speed test. You could check and see what you're getting there, so you can compare it to what they say you should be getting. Otherwise, I'd also check for hijack ware(hijack this being a good program), and perhaps check your ethernet cable against a new (crossover cable maybe?) one. Could have perhaps gotten crimped and broken at some point.

[Atocep]

I had similar problems with DSL last fall. I called SBC and it took at least 20 attempts to actually run their speed test because my internet was so slow. My speeds tested fine on their end so the sent a tech out the next morning.

The tech tested my lines, replaced my router, and couldn't figure out what was going on. After around 2 hours of him being pissed because nothing he was trying worked and my internet being stupidly slow, he found that it was something to do with the wiring outside the house and he had to request a repair crew to come and work on it.

So my guess is that its either the router going bad or something is wrong with your lines.

[M GO BLUE!!!]

I went thru all the verizon stuff and it helped. It still slows unbelievably if i'm downloading anything, which it didn't do as of a month ago, but it's at a level i can live with (for now.)

thanks...

[Draft Dodger]

i think it's www.dslreports.com that has a free speed test. You could check and see what you're getting there, so you can compare it to what they say you should be getting. Otherwise, I'd also check for hijack ware(hijack this being a good program), and perhaps check your ethernet cable against a new (crossover cable maybe?) one. Could have perhaps gotten crimped and broken at some point.

they also have some very helpful forums, including a special Verizon support forum (where a Verizon tech will work with you). I was having issues a month or two ago, and it was through the Verizon forum that I finally was able to get the issue resolved (turned out to be some issue on their end that was causing problems around the state).

[stevew]

I've having major troubles with my DSL. It seems like i have dropped service over 25 times in the last day. I have verizon. Is anyone else experiencing any kind of issues with them of late?

[INDalltheway]

I've having major troubles with my DSL. It seems like i have dropped service over 25 times in the last day. I have verizon. Is anyone else experiencing any kind of issues with them of late?
Yessssssss... They wont let us cancel our subscription without a stupid $80 fee even though their crap internet doesn't work.

[Lathum]

We had DSL from Cincinnati Bell for about a month and I couldn't take the service drops and switched to cable.

[duckman]

Maybe your internet tubes are clogged?

[stevew]

I think it's fixed now. It was getting unbearable.

[stevew]

fucking A, spoke too soon.

Punjan said it would be fixed, apparently he's a liar.