Bandwidth Speed for Beginners

Understanding bandwidth speed and how it affects your computer
By Shannon Tani Bandwidth speed is how quickly data moves from one place to another. In more practical terms, it's the rate at which your computer is able to download files or load pages when using the Internet.
 

Businesses need a fast bandwidth speed in order to quickly get the data that they need. They may need this for downloading software programs or look up information on Web sites. Worker productivity can be hampered by a low bandwidth speed. For beginners, it's easy to find information about what bandwidth speed is and how to make the best use of it.

Factors that affect bandwidth speed are:

1. Distance. A business' distance from their Internet provider will play a role in bandwidth speed. Businesses that are closer to the provider will have faster speeds because data doesn't have to travel as far.

2. Number of computers. If you have several computers that are networked together, they all share a certain amount of bandwidth. If one user is taking up a lot of bandwidth, other users will notice slower connections.

3. PC configuration. Make sure that your IT staff properly optimizes all computers. Older computers may be slower than newer ones.

Understand what bandwidth speed is and how it affects computer performance

Making optimal use of your computers and the Internet starts with a basic understanding of bandwidth speed. For beginners, it's important to find descriptions that are not overly technical.
Try: FindMyHosting.com offers a fairly simple explanation of what bandwidth, using easy to understand examples. CoolNerds.com uses simple diagrams to illustrate the meaning.

Research the bandwidth speed of different types of connections

There are many ways to connect to the Internet and some will give you a faster bandwidth speed than others. Some examples of connections include wireless, DSL, cable and T1.
Try: BroadBand Nation discusses the pros and cons of different types of wireless Internet connections. MSN discusses the history of bandwidth and different types.

Test your bandwidth speed for a greater understanding of your system

If your looking to improve the speed of your computer, you'll want to know where you're starting from. Certain websites can test your bandwidth speed to give you an idea.
Try: SpeedTest.net allows you to test your uploading and downloading speeds with servers located around the world. You can then compare your rates with others. CNET also offers a bandwidth speed test.

Take steps to improve your bandwidth speed

Since certain PC configurations affect your bandwidth speed, it makes sense to learn what you can do to your computer to help improve its speed.
Try: Microsoft lists five things that you can do to improve the speed of your computer. YouTube has a video that discusses bandwidth speed and how to determine if you can purchase a better Internet connection to boost your speed.