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Tips To Help Improve Broadband Speed!

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USwitch want to help with solving the UK’s Top Broadband Issue – Slow Speed! USwitch’s own broadband expert Nick Baker decided to share his top tips on how to solve this very issue.  

Thinking ” where are the best Internet providers in my area?”, well we are too.

Tips to Help Improve Broadband Speed

There’s a number of reasons as to why your broadband connection may be slow. One of the reasons could by multiple devices using the same network in your area. Or a large number of devices on your home connection.

See below USwitch’s best tips!

1. Carry out a broadband speed test so you can see just what speeds you’re getting. Also, try doing this at different times during the day and take a screenshot or a note of the result.

2. Check and see if your browser software is up to date. Having the latest version of your browser can really help speed up the way web pages load.

3. Is your router next to any other wireless devices? Anything from a wireless doorbell to fairy lights can have an impact on the speeds you’re getting. So, my tip would be to place your router on a small side table away from any other devices (rather than on the floor) and keep it switched on at all times.

4. Ensure you have a strong password protecting your Wi-Fi network to make sure nobody else is using it. As this is particularly important if you live in a flat or apartment.

5. Is your router firmware up to date? So, your router should update automatically, but you can force a reset (check the back of the device for instructions) and this can help with broadband speed.

Even more tips!

6. Have you tried using a cable? Routers usually have an Ethernet cable socket in the back of the device so you can connect directly to them. Try using this and running the speed test again to see if you get faster results. Again, keep a note of these speeds.

7. Have you checked for interference on your phone line? Purchase some microfilters or get them from your provider. Plug them into every phone socket in your house as they split the broadband and phone signals so they don’t interfere with one another.

8. Are you using a phone line extension cable? These (especially if they are long) can impact the speed of your broadband. If you need to use one, make sure it’s high quality and as short as possible and not tangled up.

9. Plug your router directly into the main phone socket. These sockets usually have a line running across the front of them. Also, make sure your router is connected to this socket then try running the speed test again.

10. Contact your broadband provider.  So, if all else fails and you’re still struggling, then it’s worth getting in touch with your broadband provider. You can share your speed test results and they will work through a series of diagnostic tests to isolate the issue and get you back up to speed in no time.

(USwitch)

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Episode 264: How to fix your slowed down iPhone

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Apple slows down iPhones

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In what wasn’t a surprise to anyone Apple slows down iPhones. Old iPhones specifically.

The reason that Apple disclosed to the public is because the batteries in old iphones are “less capable of delivering peak energy loads.”  If they let it run at full capacity it would run hotter and cause damage to other components to the phone. To help ease the anger from the public Apple launched a year long $29 in-store battery replacement service. This would bring your iPhone back to life.

What’s Affected?

  • Longer app launch times
  • Lower frame rates while scrolling
  • Backlight dimming (which can be overridden in Control Center)
  • Lower speaker volume by up to -3 decibels
  • Gradual frame-rate reductions in some apps
  • During the most extreme cases, the camera flash will be disabled as visible in the camera UI
  • Apps refreshing in background may require reloading upon launch

There are also a range of things that Apple’s throttling do not affect:

  • Cellular call quality and networking throughput performance
  • Captured photo and video quality
  • GPS performance
  • Location accuracy
  • Sensors like gyroscope, accelerometer, barometer
  • Apple Pay

(Business Insider)

Do I need to replace?

Apple are working on an app to show you the health of your battery.
But until then, (and before you go needlessly buying a battery you don’t need) it’s best to run a test.
Download Geekbench and test the processor speed. The result that follows will determine if you need to get a new battery. According to the folks over at Digital Trends a score 500 or less means that you require a new battery.

Below are the results of what you should be receiving. Prior to when slows down your phone.

  • iPhone 6/6 Plus — 1400
  • iPhone 6S/6S Plus — 2300
  • iPhone SE — 2400
  • iPhone 7/7 Plus — 3400

To listen to the guys chatting about this please click here!

 

Slowing internet!

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In the next few months there could be a major shake up on the internet, a US government body is looking to ban net neutrality.

Net Neutrality: The basic right internet users have to access websites equally.

However giants such as Amazon and Reddit have spoken out against the move. Scrapping net neutrality would mean Internet Service Providers would make lots of money, whilst websites themselves wouldn’t benefit whatsoever. Directly affecting their business.

There’s currently an international protest against these proposed changes, as they could have an effect on internet freedom around the world.

To listen to the guys chatting about this please click here!