Software firewall & bandwidth.

My ISP say i should be getting 4MB on my connection(to a set top box/cable modem)

Various tests ive done show that im getting 2MB, the technical support people say my anti-virus & firewall can cause a reduction in bandwidth.

I have AVG free & Zone Alarm free.

This is the test i have used the most. http://www.gotomyhelp.com/bandwidthmeter/download-result.php?kbps=2181

 

Is there a reason why noone has replied to my thread ?

 

i use the same security progs as you and they dont make any noticable difference to my connection with or without them enabled.

my router displays the current connection speed, does your not have a function similar to this? if so does it read the full 4mbs?

also you may wanna go though the follwing post that will remove alot of crap off your system to try and eliminate any possible spyware eating your bandwidth and screwing the results of the tests.

http://forums.majorgeeks.com/showthread.php?t=35407

 

My system is clean, so its not that.

Router ?

I keep hearing about routers, is it the 'set top box' or is it a part of my PC

 

router is usually the stand alone box you use to connect to the net, the internal part is usually refered to as a modem.

my router has a web config that supplies a shed load of info and diagnostics, yours should have some kind of config utility, either browser based or USB