Internet Connection Issues

[Barc0de]

I live at a flat that has a central router downstairs.

The past couple of days I ve been experiencing extremely slow speeds (some pages taking up to 10 minutes to load) - although simpler pages seem to load much more quickly (eg this page) - but IGN for example, takes a good while before it loads.

I contacted the guys downstairs and they said that the router is fine, and that their connection to the net is peachy - so it must be my computer.

Not having a second computer or a browser on a console (thanks XBOX 360), I can't really check if it's my computer's fault or not.

Looking at the properties of my connection (i have ADSL) I see very few packets received (fewer than what was sent).

So, any ideas on what to do? Or wha the issue might be?

I m really concerned because I m doing research for coursework!

PS: my connection speed isn't low however. I m downloading a file from a website at 94Kbits/second . for some reason though I can't browse with easy etc.

UPDATE: disabling scripts fixed the issue, but I m losing out on content. Any idea how to check which script is responsible?

[Alchy]

If you're on Firefox, and using NoScript, you can block each script individually. You might also want to check out FasterFox and Adblock Plus.

Even if you are on FF, I'd advise checking out a different browser like Opera to see whether it experiences similar issues. If it does, it's probably something to do with your connection; if it doesn't, re-install FF.

[Barc0de]

I blocked all scripts with NoScript actually, and everything is smooth. I m doing a virus check as I post now.

What does FasterFox offer?

Please not that IE6 also sucks shit at loading pages, so it's not a FF exclusive issue (although NoScript resolved it for FF)

[Alchy]

Ok, first things I'd check would be Java, Flash etc, get new versions if available. NoScript is generally ok to keep enabled on most sites, and it prevents adware infections, so if you can be bothered to keep up with the allowing the necessary legit scripts it offers second-to-none browser protection.

FasterFox just optimises Firefox's setting for broadband/LAN net connections. It's not necessary but if you're on a decent connection it can help.

[madhatter256]

Could be a hardware issue. First make sure you are actually getting an IP.

Click on 'start' button, then select 'run', and then type cmd. When it gives you the prompt type in: ipconfig /all .

Make sure you are connected to the router.

Now, do you have IE7? if so, run it and if you're experiencing problems like you are under firefox than it might be either a software or hardware issue. To double check if its software do the following. Click on 'Start' button, go to 'programs', then go to 'accesories', then 'system tools' and there should be a shortcut to IE7, but with no addons enabled. Run it and do some surfing on the web. Some sites might not load right but just keep an eye out on the status bar. See if it takes too long to 'find' the site or 'opening' page. If it takes too long finding it, then chances are it is a connection problem than it is software, but if it makes connection but takes too long 'opening' the page then it is most likely a software issue.

[Barc0de]

thanks madhatter.

I tried IE7 w/o add-ons, and although it does connect, it doesnt open the page (cube.ign.com for testing). I did a virus check, and i was clean however..

[Alchy]

Same is true in FireFox for connecting/loading, for the record. Also if he's browsing the web, he must have an IP address ;)

If it's working fine without scripts, but coming to a halt when they're enabled, then it's something in the scripts that's causing the connection issue. My advice would be to grab the latest Java runtime from www.java.com, test that, then do the same with flash. If you're still getting errors, try narrowing it down to a particular script, then let us know what it is.

It might be worth downloading ccleaner and running its "issues" test. The "Cleaner" element is worth a look, too. Since you've already trid a virus test, you want to run some adware removal tools, like Ad-aware, Spybot, and AVG anti-spyware (formally Ewido anti-spyware, now time-limited unfortunately but still excellent).

[3do]

if your pages are loading slow there is a way to speed up firefox, First i would try fasterfox which really helps then i would try the following

If you know this already then ignore me but in a blank tab type about:config and then in the filter window type network, Scroll down till you find network.http.pipelining and make it true if it is not already
Then just below that is network.http.pipelining.maxrequests change the value to something like 20/25.


Fasterfox along with the other little tweak should speed up firefox quite nicely and if that doesn't help then it could be some software or as Alchy says it could be scripts

[Barc0de]

Thanks, how can one 'narrow' down to a particular script?couldn't find that setting

[Barc0de]

yeap, it was JAVA! installed the update and everything is smooth like a turtle's butt!

[retro]

Err, how do you know what a turtle's butt is like??

[Barc0de]

I ve had water turtles as pets :)

[mairsil]

Do you have to register with the local authorities when you move into a new town?

[Barc0de]

Why would I have to register with local authorities when i move into a new town? O_o

[mairsil]

Bad joke...

[Barc0de]

:crying:sorry for ruining it

PS: I didn't want to say "baby's butt" in my previous post, because it sounds a bit wrong :p

[mairsil]

...and that would have made the joke a little bit more obvious. :lol: