HELP. IT Expert needed

[DT]

I've had this problem for a week or two now and I can't figure out what's wrong.

My internet is slower than slow. I mean slower than a 56k modem according to a test page. It didn't use to be like that and also in little bursts I can get quicker download speeds.

I'm using DUMeter to monitor download and upload speeds and my Windows Task Manager also says my network utilisation is only about 1-2%

Link speed is supposedly 10Mbps.

Now, could there be something wrong from this end? Is there something I need to disable/enable to get things back to normal. My mate was here over the weekend and he claims he hasn't installed anything and it doesn't look that way, but is there some programme I need to delete or whatever for things to get back to normal. I'm wasting so much fucking time waiting for simple pages to load when going on the internet and it's pissing me off big time.

So, anyone, please please help me.

[Paul]

*Winces at the predictability of his response, but goes ahead anyway*

Have you tried re-booting?

[Stu Monty]

It had to be done Paul. Saw the thread title and knew someone would already be doing the deed.

[chorlton]

It sounds like something is using up your bandwidth, get spybot and check your system.

[Hermes]

You need a wider band? I hear Dave-U has one.

[plonky]

Firstly, rule out virus and spyware problems. Download a trial version of Kaspersky Antivirus and spybot. I have found Webroot Spy Sweeper to be one of the best Anti-Spyware progs.

You could even run Hijack This and post the log. I'm by no means an expert on that prog but I am getting better :)

[reder]

As the others said first of all rule out viruses, but I can tell you now, spyware is cause of the problem. What antivirus are you using? AVG is a good free antivirus, forget about any of that norton crap or even worse that panda nonsense.

You can download it here :

AVG Free

How often do you run a spyware scan on your pc? If you have not run one in a few weeks, then a build up of spyware has caused your bandwidth to be taken up thus leaving you with the poor connection.

[SharQ]

I assume you are on an internet connection via your uni halls. In that case - do they have a bandwidth limit? Some times they'll let you download, say, 10 GB per month at full speed, and then reduce the speed to bare-essentials.

May be worth looking into, if that may be the case, esp. if you have downloaded a lot of crap.

[Aaron Miller]

Originally Posted by SharQ esp. if you have downloaded a lot of crap.

by crap he means animal porn.

[DT]

I haven't downloaded animal porn, but if you've got any good links Aaron, then....

Thanks for the help btw dudes. Turns out it's some problem with the server (isn't it always?) that the staff here can't do anything about (can they ever?) so I'll just have to wait (don't I always?) for it to be fixed (will it ever?)

[drewy]

Originally Posted by DT I haven't downloaded animal porn, but if you've got any good links Aaron, then.... Thanks for the help btw dudes. Turns out it's some problem with the server (isn't it always?) that the staff here can't do anything about (can they ever?) so I'll just have to wait (don't I always?) for it to be fixed (will it ever?)

Moan moan bloody moan! Students eh!!! Have you tried having a bath, then rebooting?

[DT]

Bath? Wtf!?

I have a shower once every year at Christmas. do it every year without fail even if I don't particularly need it.

[Elmyn Noos]

Sounds like someone has spilled their Pot Noodle over the server mate. Try bagging all your clothes and taking them home for mum to wash, then getting on a bus and making it late by counting out all your loose change for the driver. If that doesn't work, you can always pay for one loaf of bread at the checkout in your local supermarket during peak time with a credit card, or slower still write a cheque.