Broadband is very easy to use, and once you have installed your service you shouldn’t have too much trouble using it to access the Internet and browse online.  However as with any service you will most likely have some questions regarding your broadband, such as how to improve your service or tips for using it more effectively, and here are just a few answers to some of the commonly asked questions.

How can I improve internet transfer speed?
When you signed up to a broadband package you would have been informed of the estimated download speed, and this can actually vary depending on your distance from the local telephone exchange.  There is not much you can do to improve your Internet transfer speed, apart from move closer to the exchange, but sometimes older modems and computer equipment can slow down your broadband speeds, so upgrading to the latest equipment can help make some improvements.  You could also check to see if there are any applications on your computer which could be slowing down your broadband such as file sharing or online television streaming (BBC iPlayer for example), and by disabling these you could gain some more Internet transfer speed.

Is broadband really better than dial up?
Yes, in most cases broadband is much better than dial up, and here are just a few reasons why.
·    Broadband is much faster than dial up, and is generally more cost effective as you don’t have to worry about how much time you spend on the Internet, as unlike dial up you do not pay by the minute but instead are charged one flat rate monthly fee.
·    Broadband is ‘always on’,  so you do not have to wait for it to connect every time you want to go online, and downloading files and streaming data such as videos and online games is much quicker, more reliable and of better visual and audio quality than dial up.
·    Also broadband does not interfere with your home phone lines, so you can still make and receive telephone calls even when you are online.

What security do I need for broadband?
Because your broadband is always on, you must make sure you protect your service and your computer against abuse by installing the latest anti-virus security software and also a two way firewall.  This will help to prevent viruses, trojans, worms and other malware from attacking your computer and your personal security, and also prevent hackers and unauthorized users from accessing your system.