72
73
iv.
Multiple Usage:
If a couple of computers and/or game
consoles use the Internet at the same time (particularly
when downloading or online gaming) you are
essentially sharing one connection. Speed test results
might be less than you expect when several devices
share the same connection.
v.
Programmes Running Concurrently:
If you use iTunes
or P2P software, like BBC iPlayer or a torrent client,
these can have a dramatic effect on speed test results.
In fact, any programme running concurrently while you
carry out a speed test can affect the results.
vi.
Viruses:
You may not even know they’re there, but if
your computer is infected then it could be running
lots of applications without your knowledge – and these
viruses will definitely slow your speed down.
Quick Notes About Speed Test Websites
i. Web-based speed testers can be a quick way to check
your broadband speed. However their results may be
inaccurate.
ii. TM has no control over the quality of other providers’
networks, so tests that travel onto other parts of the
Internet don’t always give accurate results on how your
connection is performing. They won’t always be right
as these sites can get busy and also be affected by
congestion.
iii. This means that the test is merely measuring how fast
data is able to travel from one part of the Internet to
another, not how fast is the connection speed we deliver.
iv. Basically, the real test of an Internet connection is how
quickly you can download files from the Internet – such
as a game demo, or large files like a TV Show.