Internet con.speed

[Den]

True or false - the speed that one connects to there isp has nothing to do with the speed of surfing or downloading from the internet. And what is the best program for monitoring surfing or downloading speeds.
Thanks for any response. Den

[reboot]

False, to a point...
The initial connect speed is an indication of download speed aka throughput.
The faster the connect, the faster the download, BUT, a connect that's TOO fast, will result in a slower throughput.
Now I've got you thoroughly confused...
A modem that connects at a good rate, usually has a good throughput, but if the modem "retrains", that is, slows itself down because of line conditions or ISP troubles, will have poor throughput. It's spending so much time trying to renegotiate a stable connect that the data recieved is at a lesser rate.
A modem that connects TOO fast, will also slow down throughput. The number of errors recieved requires the modem to ask for the data packet again, and the server must then resend the same packet, sometimes many times, until your modem has received the data correctly, thus throughput is cut drastically.
Ideally, one wants a stable modem, one that can retrain quickly, but doesn't need to retrain as often, connects at a good rate, although not it's peak rate (thus less retrains), and can stay connected if line conditions and/or ISP congestion change rapidly.
I'm sure this is more than you really wanted to know, and someone else will be able to help you with a program or two to show connect/throughput for ya.

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Who needs a life?, I have internet!
Cheers, Jim
Jim & Sue's Free Files | Jims Modems

[SARGE]

Excellent and informative reply, 'boot man.

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"Don't be so open-minded that your brains fall out"

[Den]

Thanks reboot for the reply. You are right about being confused but I sometimes get confused about which side to part my hair. So thats nothing unusual. Actually I do understand wnat you said. It does make sense. Thanks again. Den