slow download/browsing vista

Gi'day all,
I'm having trouble with really slow loading of web pages and slow downloads. I have googled with no success. I'm on ADSL2 with Iprimus, 512/128 plan. The computer has 2 gigs of mem, dual core cpu, winVista using firefox. I don't think the computer is the problem as such.
Turning off the avast av, windows defender and windows firewall makes no difference.
I am wondering if I have cocked-up some settings somewhere that slow up web browsing. The other programs such as Office 2007. Word etc are quite good which makes me think it is the set up of either firefox or internet properties settings or both that is the culprit. I am waiting to here from the ISP to make sure everything is in order that end, who knows? they might even get back to me!
I would be happy for any suggestions that might solve this extremely annoying problem.
Thanks Dog.

 

The first and most obvious thing that come to mind is that the PC if full of garbage left over from your applications.

download Ccleaner and run in both cleaner and registry and let it clean all that it finds. (it's a very safe application)

http://majorgeeks.com/download4191.html

 

Hi BillMCC,
Thanks for the reply. I should have mentioned that I run CCcleaner daily also have checked with Spybot [without teatimer] and avast and have found no virus problems. I have also set the power options to max. which had a marginal improvement only, still crook tho'
dog

 

OK lets see how fast your internet is?
http://www.speedtest.net/

 

Here is something i found that should speed up FF



http://www.tonyspencer.com/2005/02/25/speed-up-firefox-with-these-tweaks/

 

Hi BillMC,
Those links look promising, I have to leave for work now so I will give it a shot when I get home and let you know how it goes.
Thanks dog

 

Hi BILLMCC66,
The link to the firefox tweaks seems to have done the job, thanks for that.
I can always count on the good people from Geeks to steer me in the right direction.
The speed test was an eye opener. It looks like I'm only getting about 75 to 80% of what I'm paying for.I know there are unavoidable things that drain speeds, but 20 to 25% loss seems a bit excessive even for ADSL through 'phone lines. Maybe my ISP will reduce my monthly payment!..........on second thought. maybe they won't.
Thanks again for your prompt help.
Cheers, dog

 

My speed varies throughout the day, around 16.00 it tends to slow when all the kids get home from school and hit the ISP with all the games.
http://smileys.on-my-web.com/repository/Others/clock-059.gif

 

Try the speed test again, perhaps a few times at different times of the day, to see whether the results are consistent. With DSL, there should be very little variation between tests. If they are consistent, then you have an indication that's as good as it's going to get. DSL speeds are dependent upon the distance from the nearest CO (central office) of your telecommunications provider, so that's something neither you nor they have control over.

When you run your tests, use the same test site/location for valid comparison of test results.

I like to use http://www.broadbandreports.net/tools. Their Tweaks test provides possible ways to improve your speed if any tweaks are indicated by your test results.