Dial-Up Connection Speed

[Rodrigo Istalindir]

Actually, the ram thing is not a joke. I often use an older computer to surf the web, because my new one happens to be somewhat noisy and have lots and lots of lights on it for some reason I don't grok. It's a P2 400 with 256 megs of ram. It really struggles on sites that use Flash animation.

That's more likely to be processor or video card than RAM or connection speed. The point of Flash was to be small and easily transmitted, with the bulk of the work being done on-the-fly by the host computer after the file was received.

I've got a dozen or so PII-400s we use for Internet workstations at conferences, and they handle the conference websites well enough, and those are disgustingly flash-heavy.

Flash is evil, though. There are some nice hacks for Firefox and Opera to selectively block it, which is a godsend.

 

[Rodrigo Istalindir]

As long as we're on the topic of speed, I'm gonna ask about DSL. I've got DSL, and it used to sing. Lately, though, I've been noticing a bit more lag in things. Is there something I can tweak to speed things up, or is this likely a line/load/provider issue?

Could be a bad line filter or twitchy analog device if you are sharing your DSL line with your voice line. Try benchmarking your transmission speed at DSLreports.com, then disconnect any analog (phone, fax, etc) devices on the line, and benchmark again.

Could also be something impairing the performance of your web browser, especially if you are using IE. Try Firefox or Opera and see if you experience the same performance degradation.

 

[ssampier]

No, its not. Head on over to NetZero to find out more info on it.

It's not?

How does NetZero HiSpeed 3G work?

Data Compression and Image Optimization - Before the text and graphics that make up Web pages get sent to you over your phone line, NetZero HiSpeed 3G compresses them using a proprietary technology. Less data is sent so your surfing experience is much faster!
Memory Enhancement - NetZero HiSpeed 3G uses caching technology to store elements of frequently visited Web sites so they load faster on future visits. So in addition to an immediate boost, your surfing will get even faster as you continue to use NetZero HiSpeed 3G.
Continuous Optimization - NetZero HiSpeed 3G continuously optimizes the communication between your system's modem and our network while you are online. That means that it is always working to shorten the amount of time it takes to connect you to the sites you visit.
Pop-Up Blocking - NetZero HiSpeed 3G features a pop-up blocker, which means that you no longer have to wait for annoying pop-up ads to load.

It is an Internet accelerator under a "fancy" name. If you must have dial up, I'm sure it's a decent option. I just don't like the idea of calling something other than it is.

 

[ssampier]

I think the most important fact is, that 56.6k modems are 33.6k modems, technically.

And the ISP also has a great impact, they must support V.90.

Bye0
Thanee

Explain. 56 k modems are limited at 33.6 kbps upload speed, but technically can download at 56,000 bits per seconds. Usually, the overhead of line noise usually takes quite a bit out of that speed, however.

Almost all ISPs support V.90, I have seen very few that support V.92 (maybe one line that's constantly busy, etc).

 

[Thanee]

Yes, they can download faster in theory, but only if the phone circuit is fully digital with only a single A/D conversion, and some other factors are given (i.e. low noise on the analog line). It's not really a function of the modem, which is just a 33.6k, which uses a different internal protocol (V.90), basically. So, it might be, that the modem simply operates as a 33.6k depending on the external influences, and even those might not get optimum speed depending on line noise.

However, the V.90 incompatibility issues are probably a thing of the past, that's right.

Bye
Thanee

 

[silvermane]

It's a P2 400 with 256 megs of ram. It really struggles on sites that use Flash animation.

But it has nothing to do with your Internet connection speed. You wouldn't consider playing a movie on such a computer, so neither should you attempt to run flash (which is irritating anyway).

It's surprising you could fit 256 MB into a computer so old. Was the motherboard revamped?

 

[Brother Shatterstone]

It's surprising you could fit 256 MB into a computer so old. Was the motherboard revamped?

Why? That's probably 4 64 Meg sticks. (working pairs like the days of old. )

 

[Thanee]

It really struggles on sites that use Flash animation.

Then remove the flash plugin.

Bye
Thanee

 

[Grazzt]

I've heard that electric companies have started testing broadband through electrical wires. So hopefully that will be a long term solution for those of us unable to get DSL/Cable.

Yep- first talked about a few years ago (actually first researched like 20 years ago [trying to figure out how to carry data across electrical lines]). Should get a nice push back into the limelight and advance the technology quicker now that Google and IBM have jumped on board (a couple of months ago).

 

[ssampier]

Yes, they can download faster in theory, but only if the phone circuit is fully digital with only a single A/D conversion, and some other factors are given (i.e. low noise on the analog line). It's not really a function of the modem, which is just a 33.6k, which uses a different internal protocol (V.90), basically. So, it might be, that the modem simply operates as a 33.6k depending on the external influences, and even those might not get optimum speed depending on line noise.

However, the V.90 incompatibility issues are probably a thing of the past, that's right.

Bye
Thanee

Ah. I was thought you were saying the v.90 modem was a 33.6 modem, then the signal is then attentuated.

I work for Internet support at a rural telephone company and I hate dialup calls simply because there's only so much I can do to fix a slow line. :\