Step 4 - Sharing is good, but not if you want speed-of-light broadband

Turn off file sharing programs, also known as Peer to Peer software or P2P, like Kazaa, BitTorrent, iMesh, or eMule.

This type of software can consume considerable amounts of your connection speed.

If you are experiencing slow downloads using this type of software, it could also be related to the fact that the person from whom you're downloading has a slow connection.

Step 5 - Check your wireless home network... if you have one

If you are running a home network, connect your modem directly to a computer, and recheck your speed to make sure the problem is not with your wireless home network.

Step 6 - Spring cleaning

By removing old files in your "Temporary Internet files" folder, you can often improve browsing speed. In Internet Explorer, click on Tools, then Internet Options, and then click Delete files.

Step 7 - Making the right connection

If your broadband connection to your PC is via a USB port, then other things connected to your PC can slow down your broadband speed - these might be things like your mouse, keyboard, digital camera, webcam or printer. In general, we recommend connecting your broadband via the Ethernet port, rather than a USB port, and that way, other devices won't slow down your broadband. You'll find more information on that here.

Step 8 - Unleash the power

There may also be programs in your start-up folder - ones that run automatically when you start up your PC - that run unnecessarily. Deleting some of these may free up some processing power to speed up your computer.

Step 9 - Check for nasties

Adware and spyware are malicious programs that can be planted on your computer by websites and these can also slow down your connection. If you don't currently have PCguard Total - available free to Broadband: Size L (up to 10Mb) and Size XL (up to 20Mb) customers and including free anti-spyware - you should install and run some anti-spyware software.

Step 10 - Call me

If all else fails, you can always call our broadband technical support team on 0906 212 1111. Calls cost 25p per minute, with a 10p connection fee from Virgin Media landlines. Calls from mobiles or other networks may vary.

You can also check our live service news page or call our free service status line on 0800 561 0061 to make sure there isn't a specific problem on the network in your area.