Think you're getting fast speeds with your DSL? Think they can compare with cable? Most people think they are getting speeds just like cable on their DSL when they really aren't. DSL is good, just not quite that good. Do you know how to check your upload and download speeds? Did you know there was a difference in uploads and downloads? Most likely you didn't.

Whether you have a speed test offered by your cable company or find one on the web, its always best to check a few different ones and compare the results. This will give you a better idea of your actual upload and download speeds.

The folks at the PCnineoneone website have a really cool speed test with a race car interface. While the interface is not really important it is kinda cool to watch it perform the testing. This test performs both an upload and a download speed test and you get the results instantly.

Slow internet speeds could either mean a problem at the internet provider's end or a problem from within your machine. Running a series of internet speed tests might help you determine where to start troubleshooting your slow speeds.

If you know there is a problem, then at least you can work to figure out what is wrong. Your internet provider should be more than happy to provide tech support for you to troubleshoot and determine the cause of the slow speed.

If you find the problem is not with the cable company, start with unplugging your modem for 30 seconds to reboot it. Many times this will be all that you need to do to get your lightning fast internet back up and running properly. If that doesn't do the trick, try running a through scan for spyware and remove anything you might find. A fantastic free tool for this is AdAware.