How to Increase Internet Dialup Speed

Dial-up access is a slow internet connection that is being replaced by faster broadband connection speeds such as DSL and cable modems. It uses connection speeds of up to 56K, making them much slower for running browsers, downloading programs and connecting to mail servers. While you cannot increase dial-up speed to over 100Mbps like that of DSL or cable modem, there are simple steps to optimize performance and increase connection and browser speeds.

1. Step 1

   Run frequent virus checks and remove malicious programs such as malware and spwyare that hijack web browsers and deter connection speeds. If you do not have an antivirus program, download and install a free program such as AVG Antivirus (see "Resources," below).

2. Step 2

   Empty browser cache and history frequently to avoid clutter that slows down connection and page loads. While this feature may vary depending on the web browser that you are using, usually it can be found in the "Tools" section or "Internet Options" section on your web browser.

3. Step 3

   Download and install free, faster web browsers such as Opera or FireFox (see both in "Resources"). The reasons these web browsers are much faster is because of improvements in coding and in how previously visited pages are stored in the browser cache.

4. Step 4

   Uninstall unnecessary plug-ins or browser-add ons that deter connection speeds and cause your web browser to run slower. To uninstall browser add-ons, click the Windows "Start" button and click the "Control Panel." Double-click "Add or Remove Programs" to open the programs window. Scroll through and click the browser add-on you want to uninstall. Click "Change/Remove" to uninstall it from your computer.

5. Step 5

   Turn on pop-up blockers on your web browser so as to disable pop-up advertisements that slow down browser speed. Dial-up connection is already slow, and the presence of these nuisances diminishes the speed even more.

6. Step 6

   Create browser "Bookmarks" to allow you quicker access to your favorite websites. It will help speed up your connection by eliminating unnecessary mouse movements and typing.

7. Step 7

   Use "Tabbed browsing" if your web browser supports it. Tabbed browsing allows you to open multiple pages in a single browser window rather than opening multiple windows that slow down browser speed. Each page can be accessed by clicking the appropriate tab within the browser window. Most web browsers such as Mozilla Firefox, Internet Explorerand Opera use tabbed browsing.

8. Step 8

   Turn off web page images. While this option will only allow you to see text on the Internet, it increases browser speed by eliminating the download and refresh times needed when certain web pages contain high volumes of images.