Today, we need the Internet more than ever. With lockdowns and quarantines imposed all over the world, a lot of people are forced inside their homes for their safety. But although these guidelines are necessary to protect us and avoid infection, staying inside our homes is boring.
Even those who have office-based jobs are encouraged to work from home if possible. Thankfully, we have the Internet. The Internet allows us to connect, without aiding the spread of COVID-19. However, what do you do when your internet speeds begin dropping? Even way before the pandemic, a slow internet speed would drive anyone crazy.
Just imagine you’re in a clutch situation in the game, and then the Internet suddenly drops. How about watching an intense movie scene only to see that the video buffers or stutters. What about an important business or company meeting made through Skype that suddenly drops you from the conversation? These nightmares are just a few examples of what can happen when your internet connection suddenly drops.
Internet speeds depend entirely on several factors, such as how many users are there? Are your passwords up to date? Do you have too many programs running? It can be tough to trace the root of why your Internet can be slow. With that said, here are some tips to help you boost your Internet quickly.
Using a VPN
One of the least known reasons your internet speed is suddenly dropping is that your ISP or internet service provider is intentionally throttling your internet speed. When throttling happens, everything slows down. Some ISPs throttle a user because of content, regulations, or other reasons. These ISPs can throttle a user’s speed without them knowing it.
To help you with this annoying problem, you have to use a vpn. The best vpn for android blocks your ISP’s capability to throttle your Internet by blocking what your ISP sees while at the same time encrypts your data so you can browse websites securely and privately as well as gain access to geo restricted sites. ISP typically throttles a user’s speed because of certain online activities. Although that’s just what a few things a vpn can do, a vpn can also encrypt your data, making tracking your location challenging to find.
Killing off Programs That Use Additional Bandwidth
Aside from making your computer work harder, running a lot of programs can also take a toll on your internet connection. One way to boost your internet speed is by shutting down or “killing off” any programs or apps you don’t need as of now.
Merely clicking the X button on some apps might not be enough to close them. Try opening your task manager and look for programs that may still be running. Chances are, these programs are eating up bandwidth without you noticing.
Install Antivirus Software
Speaking of privacy breaches, hackers, certain malware, and viruses can severely damage your system units and steal private information. These threats can expose and use your data against you. Even social security numbers, bank account numbers, and credit card information are at risk.
To avoid having a run-in with these problems, always install reliable anti-virus software. Regularly update your anti-virus and thoroughly scan your system once or twice a week to root out potential threats. It would also help that you’re careful with your activities online. Avoid visiting suspicious sites and don’t fall for their links or schemes.
Although some might say more is better, don’t install more than one anti-virus software. Constant updates and communications with those anti-virus servers can often congest your internet connection as well.
Limit Users
You might be wondering why a fast internet connection can suddenly drop, especially in households. The reason for this is that there is a large number of people using the internet connection in your home. Mom could be watching an HD cooking show on youtube, Dad might be downloading a movie, and your brother or sister might be playing Fortnite. When a lot of people are using that much bandwidth, everything slows down.
This situation is called local internet congestion. Your bandwidth is shared within your household, making sense as to why your internet speeds are suddenly dropping. When your mom stops watching, your dad’s downloads finish, and your sibling’s game ends, you’ll noticeably have an increase in your internet speed.
Updating Your Password
As mentioned before, local internet congestion can be a reason why your internet speed is slowing down. One thing you can do is by updating your password and logging out some devices from your wifi connection. Although this might be a cheeky way of doing it, choosing a new password prevents new users from logging in and sharing your connection.
There have been many cases where neighbors can get a whiff of your internet connection and use them without permission. That’s dangerous and could potentially be a way for other people to breach your privacy. Use strong passwords that only you would know. As much as possible, please avoid using birthdays, 123456, names, etc. as these are some of the most common passwords being used.
Final Thoughts
Thanks to the Internet, we don’t have to be bored at home while waiting for this pandemic to die out. The tips mentioned above are perfect examples of how to boost your internet speed. Remember, always browse safely to avoid nasty viruses and malware.