Why test your Internet speed connection?

Not all Internet connections are the same. People new to using the Internet might think the speed their ISP states is what they are getting. Your connection could change depending on time of day, or the amount of users using the same ISP.

Before you start a large download (like down loading a Linux distro's large CD or DVD iso file), I suggest you check how well your Internet connection is doing. I also suggest you use a download manager that allows for: restarting a download if there connection losses. For Windows I like getright, but I use an older version because it has less ads.

Be careful of some Internet speed test site you find on a web search . They might ask for unnecessary intrusive information, or they want to read your cookies or worse plant adware, spyware or other disruptive applet. Below are a few sites I find useful:

- dslreports.com This test is Java based

- cnet.com You only need to put an area code and choose a connection type

- msu.edu Fast, plain, simple test

Lastly, know that a web browser's cache may not let you run the test accurately but once. I suggest you clear the cache before you run the test. I use a free windows utility to clean up and out my PC.

Page by brucedp