Check your Internet connection speed

Does it seem like your Internet connection is a lot slower than your ISP claims it is? Maybe it is, or maybe it just seems that way. How can you find out for sure? Now, it’s easy.

CNET has created a neat tool for checking the true download speed of your Internet connection. You simply select the type of Internet connection you’re using along with the name of your ISP, then the CNET Bandwidth Meter will measure how long it takes to download a file from their server to your PC. The test results page will then display your actual download speed along with a comparison between your speed and the speed of other ISP technologies and companies.

With most Internet technogies the download speed will vary with the time of day, so it’s a good idea to run the test several times throughout a 24 hour period and average the results. But in reality, the only time period that really matters is the one during which you actually use the Internet (the evening hours for most folks).

Click here to see how your ISP measures up!