How do I increase my download speed?

Question

I know it can be about 300 kbs per second because it did go over 270kb several times. But it is often only 70kbs. What is the problem?

My operation system is Windows XP Home Edition.

On the Local Area Connection Status it says the speed is 100Mbps.

Which brings me to my next question. What does this "100Mbps" mean? What speed is this?

Answer 1

"100Mbps" is the speed your computer 'talks' to the modem (or router).  This speed for wired is10Mbps, 100Mbps, or 1000Mbps; and wireless is usually 11Mbps, 54Mbps, 108Mbps or 125Mbps.  It depends on the hardware and has nothing to do with your internet speed.

The download speed depends on many things - how busy the host site is, how fast they are, how many people are downloading that file, etc. so you rarely (if ever) get the maximum speed.

To see the speed of your internet connection, go to http://www.speakeasy.net/speedtest

The result from that test should be close to what you've signed up for from your ISP.