As we progress from dialup modems to high speed ADSL connections, the obsession with internet speed is matched only by the seemingly endless real need for more speed. At some point or other, most everyone has suspected that their internet connection may not be performing as well as it should be, and generally the first port of call to address such suspicions would be taking one of the many broadband speed tests that are widely available online.

How does it work?

Essentially, the workings of most broadband speed tests are exceedingly simple. A file is downloaded from a server, and then, in some cases, uploaded, and the average speed for both downloading and uploading are measured individually. By such a calculation, both the download and upload speed at the time of the test can be reported.

Is every broadband speed test accurate?

Just as with most any tests, there are certain circumstances that can result in either incorrect, or misleading, results. Some tests based in a certain country would not report accurate speeds for any other country, for example, as the distances and rerouting involved would automatically affect the download and upload rates, making it generally slower.

Furthermore, some applications that use the internet while the test is taking place could also affect the results. Such applications may even be running unnoticed in the background, i.e. instant messaging programs, windows update, and internet radio. Having a firewall running could even stop the broadband speed test from working entirely.

Not all connections run at constant speeds, and sometimes go through 'slow' phases as well as 'fast' phases. For some reason it could simply be that at the time of the test, the connection was acting up and not performing as well as it normally would. Even bad network connections themselves can create the illusion of bad internet connections through erroneous results on the broadband speed test.

What to do about bad results?

Unfortunately, there isn't much that a person can do about bad results when taking a speed test. Possibly one option would be to call up the broadband internet provider that was being used, and enquire with them as to the reasons for bad results. In most cases, there would be nothing that they could do directly however.

Also, if the results really are bad on a continuous basis and it was felt that the broadband internet was not worthwhile, it might be time to consider changing service providers. Don't just jump blindly at the next service provider that you see, instead, carefully look up each one and talk to neighbours to find out more about what service provider is ideal for the area.

Despite not being entirely accurate, a broadband speed test is a good first indicator for problems with a person's internet broadband service. By giving at least some idea of the speed which a given broadband line is running on, it can help along with the process of solving the problem.



Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Caroline_Telford

As one of the leading suppliers of broadband internet, AOL is an established name in such circles with a formidable reputation. However just because they have been around for the better part of a decade, does that mean they offer the best deals? Are they being upstaged by the new up-and-coming broadband providers that seem to offer mind-boggling packages at incredibly low prices? What makes AOL better than these?

Solid, Reliable, Award-winning

Although age might not count in everything, it does sometimes make a world of difference, especially in an environment as fraught with danger as the internet. New providers seem to come and go with the wind, however AOL Broadband has remained a stoic monolith that takes whatever challenges are thrown at it, and answers them calmly.

Ever since becoming the first broadband provider to package in wireless routers with broadband packages, AOL has expanded on its wireless line, and today offers its wireless flexi product. Essentially, wireless flexi is a wireless broadband service that does not tie a customer down via a contract for a pre-agreed period of time. As it is affordably priced, it is perfect for anyone who either generally distrusts contracts, or does not want to commit to a long-term scheme of continuous payments.

Also sweetening the pot is the presence of the much-vaunted, experienced, and award-winning customer support that AOL Broadband has at its disposal. Be it over the phone, or using the online live chat feature, the AOL experts are well equipped and fully able to handle pretty much any issue with their services that may arise.

Off-putting Limits

One of the greatest obstacles facing AOL Broadband is the presence of monthly usage allowances that put a cap of either 10 gigabytes or 40 gigabytes on downloads, depending on the package. Although for casual users these numbers are usually more than enough, heavy broadband internet users tend to find such things to be stifling, and require either more of an allowance, or completely unlimited broadband.

Furthermore, despite the innovative packages, there are certainly better options that offer similar or better features for a lower price. When this is factored in with the limited nature of downloads via AOL, it gives off an unfavourable appearance of not catering to users that require more than the usual, and most basic, services.

Summed up, AOL Broadband still has a lot to offer its customers; however most of what it offers would generally be better for casual users rather than more demanding ones. Still, considering that the vast majority of the UK consists predominantly of casual users rather than otherwise, it seems to make good business sense to cater more to their needs.

For now, the status that AOL Broadband enjoys would seem to not be under threat, as many would opt for the experience and reliability that are its hallmarks. Better to be paying slightly more for a guaranteed good quality of service than slightly less and being left in the lurch the minute something turns sour.



Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Caroline_Telford

Some websites contain information that they offer absolutely free of charge. There are those that will charge you a small fee - Depending on your desperation I think it is well worth it, especially if it provides you with your friend's information as you need it. Just try to make sure that there are no hidden fees or charges that will surprise you as some of these sites do tend to conceal their true prices at the onset.

Alternatively, you can choose to hire an investigator to do all the hard work for you. This of course depends on your budget and the seriousness of the matter. I mean it may be that all you have to do is call up another friend and ask for the phone number. But in situations where you need to hire out, the investigator can conduct a thorough search on your behalf. If you feel like there is more than one number to find you will often be given an opportunity to request additional numbers for an additional fee.

What is good about hiring some online investigators is that you often pay when and if they find the cell number you are looking for.

If you decide to do it on your own, it is important to check out multiple sites. If you only go to one site to search, you are most likely to limiting your options because in most cases you can only find a cell phone number of the people who are in that site's directory and does not necessary index the whole web.

Most of the people finder sites require you to be a member before you are allowed to search their databases. So be ready to sign up in these multiple websites. I do encourage you to register if you are serious because by signing up you also get included in their database, which provides an opportunity for you to be found in case a friend is in need of your own contact details.

Other easier option is to use Google. Just enter the person's name and see what comes up. It may be that the person owns a blog or a personal webpage where you can find his or her contact details.

I would recommend starting with trying to Google the person you are looking for and then use the major networking sites to see if he or she is not a member there. You can check out myspace, Facebook or Linked in. These have become investigative tool that you can take advantage of because of the large number of members signed up. Also see Stubmble upon, Digg and Twitter and more of these social bookmarking sites.

There are hundreds if not hundreds of thousands of sites that offer public records free. Take some time to visit at least some of them. Some also offer the best reviews and strategies to find people free online. With such sites you learn to become your own online investigator.



Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Tina_Davidson

In most cases you are only required to know one thing about the person you are looking for. For example, it you know the person's social security number then you can discover all his or her personal information. You can just enter this number in a search box, within the people finder site and after hitting enter get the details you are looking for.

In terms of the information you can expect to find, you can get full contact details from email address, street address, date of birth, schooling background to criminal record and sometimes even a financial background. The sad truth here is that the less you know about the person the harder it will be to find him or her. Do not despair though, this is the information age and almost every one has a digital trial.

Let me come out and say it in the beginning that often the best finders will charge you a fee to search through their databases. Some will charge per search and some will charge for membership. While the fees may not be that high per site, the costs can escalate as you pay fees in multiple people finder sites while still searching for the person's information. This is why I do recommend starting your search with free search finders. You may find that the information you are looking for is easily and do not need to pay anyone for it.

I know it is probably the best place to look but you can also do a Social Security Death Records search, which is also known as Social Security Death Index "SSDI". This is basically a database of death records available online from many resources. Just keep in mind that when there is no record of a person with the social security death administration it does not always mean that the person is alive. This is because the records within such indexes, in most cases, indicate that the government has paid out a death benefit.

You can use search engines to find someone's phone number online. The good thing is that a number of search engines have different versions for different countries so do use those regional search capabilities, as it may be that the person has moved to another country or once lived there.

Some public records, which are also available online, serve as an excellent source of birth date information. If you don't mind digging in to some loads of records you can use search engines to populate a list of public records services. Use them to check the public availability of the information you are looking for. Often, the Web site of the appropriate state agency will reveal whether or not the records are public. You can use The Public Record Research System (PRRS), to find information about the public status of state government records.

There are tons of other sites you can use to find information about someone. You just need a bit of patience to sift through the web to dig up the best ones.



Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Tina_Davidson