Your Internet connection can seem slower from time to time – often, the cause is simply that a large number of people are trying to use the Internet at the same time as you. If you are finding that you’re getting this a lot, click on Slow Internet browsing or email and we’ll help you get the fastest speeds possible with your connection.

Here are some steps you can take try and speed things up:

• Reboot your broadband modem. Click here to find out how.
• Optimise your computer and optimise your web browser.
• Turn off file-sharing programs (also known as Peer to Peer software, or P2P). Examples of this kind of software are Napster, Kazaa, iMesh, eMule and so on. This type of software can consume a large chunk of your connection speed. Remember, too, that your broadband speed can only be as fast as the connection of the person you are downloading from.
• If you’re running a home network, connect your broadband device directly to one computer and recheck your speed to rule out local network problems.
• If you’re using USB, we recommend that you switch to Ethernet to get the best possible results over Virgin Broadband.
  Click on Ethernet vs USB for details on how to connect over Ethernet.
• Advanced user? If you’re an advanced user comfortable with using Windows DOS commands, you can also try refreshing the Windows TCP/IP component. TCP/IP (Transmission Control Protocol/Internet Protocol) is used to send data between computers, however it can become damaged. Try running the netsh command to see if this solves the problem.
  Click here for guidance on running this utility.