Downloads Slow using Peer-to-Peer Software

There are many reasons why download speeds can be slow.

•  It is important to note that a file cannot be download any faster than the person with the file  will let a user download it.
•  No matter how fast the connection is supposed to be, the person with the file can restrict how fast it is download from him or her.
•  Why? Many popular sites do this to give more people a chance to download.

If concerned that there may be a problem with the connection speed, the user can perform the following steps to troubleshoot the issue.

• Step 1 - Power Cycle Modem & Reboot Computer
  Even if this step has already been performed, do it again.  It is important to verify that the best connection possible exists between the modem and the computer and this will establish that.
• Step 2 - Bypass any networking equipment such as a router, hub or switch.
  The more connections between the modem and the computer, the greater the possibility of something going wrong, so it's important to eliminate any additional hardware as the cause of the problem. If the problem is resolved after bypassing the networking equipment, it could have a hardware issue, or there could be a setting issue on the device. If this appears to be the case, it is advisable to contact the technical support department for the networking device as they will be equipped to assist in troubleshooting the device.
• Step 3 - Check for Packet Loss
  This process basically sends bits of information (packets) from one computer to another computer and measures the return. If there is loss, there may be a signal problem, or  possibly adware/spyware or a virus on the computer. If the test does not return 100% results, please contact the technical support division of the Internet Service Provider. The ISP should be able to test the signal to verify if this is indeed an issue. If not, move on to the next step. (In some cases the Internet service provider may be able to tell if the computer might be infected with adware/spyware or a virus. If this is the case, complete the following steps to resolve the issue)
• Step 4 - Disable All File Sharing Software
  File sharing software like Kazaa, Morpheus, Gnutella, WinMX, and others can seriously limit the computer's available bandwidth. The programs can also introduce spyware, adware, and viruses onto the machine. As a security risk, these programs rate Very High. The most recommended action is to remove this type of software from the computer completely. When checking speed, however, these types of programs must at least be disabled as they can significantly skew the results. Peer to peer connections used for online file sharing is not supported by Broadband Technical Support.

• Step 5 - Check for Adware/Spyware
  Adware and Spyware can infect the computer at any time while surfing the Internet.  This can significantly reduce the performance of the computer as well as the Internet connection. If a Adware/Spyware scan has never been performed on the computer before, it will most likely notice a marked improvement in the overall function of the PC when this has been completed.  The computer must be restarted after running the scan for adware/spyware for the changes to take effect.
  **If a large amount of spyware/adware and/or viruses are discovered on the computer, it may also be necessary to follow through with steps 4, 5, and 6 to achieve optimal performance. If there is not an antivirus or spyware program on the computer, a free version can be downloaded by clicking on the attachments at the bottom of the page.**
• Step 6 - Check for Viruses
  If the computer does not have an antivirus program, or the software is not updated frequently (at least once a week), then the chances of becoming infected are Moderate to High. Having updated virus protection software will significantly reduce the chances of infection, however, it is still possible. It is recommended to run a full scan on the PC, to see if the PC might have become infected since the last time a scan was run.
• Step 7 - Temporarily Disable Any Firewall Programs
  The packet scanning process that some firewalls use can slow the connection speed of some users. It is recommended to temporarily disable any firewall software and attempt to test the speed of the connection. If the connection speed improves, all that may be needed is a security setting change on the firewall. Please contact the product vendor for the software for assistance with this.
• Step 8 - Contact Manufacturer or PC Tech
  If all of the above steps have been completed and there is still not an appreciable difference in the speed of the computer connection, it is recommended to contact the manufacturer of the computer for assistance, or if that is not possible, take the computer to a PC tech for additional help.