Broadband Speed is the number one complaint with existing broadband users.It seems as though we're constantly exposed to an endless procession of adverts promoting happy families with downloads at the touch of a button - but the reality for most of us can be frustrating.However, there are several things you can do to get the best broadband speed and here are my top ten; Check your actual download speed.Ignore the ads with their misleading 'up to' download speeds and contact your provider to ask them what they expect the actual broadband speed to be in your area.Compare that to what you're getting and if you're way short then read on for a list of things you can do to bridge the gap.Make sure that the phone line to your house hasn't been damaged.A small amount of damage may not inhibit your phone calls but can slow down your broadband as the broadband signal transfers a lot more information.Don't start climbing up telegraph poles yourself! Your provider will be able to help you arrange for this to be checked properly.If you're using a home wireless network (wi-fi) make sure it's properly protected, if not your neighbours could be helping themselves to your broadband service and the more users means a slower broadband service.Stop using wi-fi all together.Whilst it is really useful not to have to be connected to your router, a wireless signal will never be as strong as one you get via a cable.Check which browser you're using as this could be slowing things down.Internet Explorer is extremely popular but older versions (pre version 7) are notable slower because of the way they download information.Upgrade to version 7 or try an alternative browser such as Google Chrome or Mozilla Firefox.Check your background internet usage.Some programs will automatically receive updates without you realising that they're doing it.Check your task manager periodically to see which programmes are running and check the settings on some of the bigger services you use.Services that download information should be your main targets, they could completely legitimate ones such as BBC i-player or security updates, but also beware any peer-to-peer file sharing services you may have signed up for.Consider the age of your Laptop or PC - is it out of date? Older machines won't have the processing power of the newer models so may not be able to cope with the demands of the modern Broadband services such as live tv streaming.Compare your processing power to the newer models on the market and if it is way short you could consider upgrading.Make sure your router settings are set for the best possible speed.Some routers come with adjustable settings which you can use to maximise the broadband speed available.This can be complicated so check the manual it came with or contact your provider for advice (assuming they provided the router).Try an i-plate from BT, which is an improved filter for your phone connection.It basically filters out any unwanted interference on your phone line and can improve your broadband speed.If none of that gives you a speed you're happy with then consider switching suppliers but make sure to ask any prospective new supplier what their actual, expected speed is in your area.

Cordless VOIP phones have become increasingly popular because they afford the caller a bargain-priced way to communicate.Unlike conventional international and long distance telephone calls where you pay quite high charges per second, the VOIP call will only cost you accordant with what you pay for your internet access.So if you have flat rate monthly internet billing, then you can make as many calls including interstate locations as much as you want without being billed for any further costs.Cordless Skype telephones give the user extra leverage when it comes to communication due to the fact that the same high speed internet service that is used for voice signals may also be used for other data transfers such as web browsing.With Voice-Over-IP Phones, you are able to do away with numerous bundles of telephone wires and the resultant holes through ceilings.There are primarily three means to connect a wireless VOIP phone.The most common method of connection is through the use of a regular VOIP phone - this could even be simply a run of the mill mobile telephone handset with VOIP capability - meaning it is able to transmit over the web in lieu of the normal telephone system.They also make VOIP phones via alteration of a normal telephone.In this instance you'll need an adaptor so that the regular phone can be made to transmit digital audio signals via the net.A third type is the soft phone.In this example you'll use your computer speaker and headset as the phone.The pc will also have a program that will enable you to transmit the resulting digital audio signals over the internet.It is extremely critical to use a high speed ethernet connection for your VOIP Phone.A low speed web connection will cause your connections to break very often, resulting in inferior voice quality.If you are buying a usb VOIP Phone from a shop, ensure that you have access to fire and emergency services such as 911.There are many things to think about if you are using a wifi skype telephone.You'll need to consider the communications standards that the phone offers.You will also have to determine if your wireless and Web connections are able to support them.Again, you'll have to look into whether it comes with features like conferencing so you are able to talk to more than 1 people at a time.It might be practical to get a wireless Voice-Over-IP Phone with a LCD or LED screen so you are able to place calls or otherwise make use of the phone in dimly lit areas.You'll need to find out what standards employed by the Voice-Over-IP are directly supported by your computer.This is vitally critical if you are using an adaptor to make the telephone work.You'll also need to figure out this specification if you plan to use a Voice-Over-IP Phone handset.Wireless Skype phones provide a very cheap way to communicate with family.You'll spend much less money to talk interstate or overseas.