computer help / advice please chaps..

[Robbi]

evening all, got a really weird problem that i can't figure out.

every time i play a video, it runs for 10 seconds then "buffers" again, then runs for 10 seconds, then "buffers" again and so on. Really annoying, anyone know how to sort this out ?

 

[Robbi]

oh, and please keep any explanations / instructions REALLY simple Ta.

 

[The Big Lebowski]

Online or just through windows media player (ect)?

 

[Robbi]

try to watch youtube and it's a nightmare

even a news video in near on impossible to watch

 

[snozz]

What's your internet speed like? Use a service like speedtest.net to see. Post results here and we'll have a further look.

Snozz

 

[The Big Lebowski]

The broadband in your area may be playing up... As snozz said, do a speed test!

http://www.speedtest.net/ Just click test.

 

[Robbi]

broardband wireless connection always good

got a rating of 0.34 whatever that means ?

 

[Neumo]

If you are not a heavy user of the net then your ISP may turn your speed down without telling you. BT turned my sister's connection down from 8mbps to 0.5, as all she did was surf the web. You need over 1mbps for you tube & 2 for BBC iPlayer etc.. Do a speed test.

Tip: If you get a new ISP then download LOTS during the first few months; you will get flagged a serious user & they wont wont turn you down as quick.

 

[River98]

you in the uk? whats your choices?

 

[River98]

slow today

 

[Robbi]

http://www.speedtest.net/result/1763119237.png

what does that all mean ?

 

[River98]

its just my internet speed.

 

[Robbi]

that link i've posted shows mine !

 

[789987]

http://www.speedtest.net/result/1763119237.png

what does that all mean ?

youre slower than 93% of GB which would explain the poor transfer rates and buffering of videos

 

[Robbi]

ok, so how do i speed things up a bit ?

 

[The Big Lebowski]

If yours is running 0.34 (mbps download) mines currently running 3.8 on wireless.... and I still have to allow a few mins upload (by pausing the program at start) before pressing play.

Pause it, watch the grey (or similar bar) upload in advance for a while then enjoy

 

[River98]

sat link maybe would solve your download rates but its not a cheap way to go

 

[789987]

what speeds are you paying for, and has it always been like that? if its only a recent development i would phone the provider and complain.

 

[Robbi]

hang on, i'll give TBL idea a try first

 

[Kepis]

ok, so how do i speed things up a bit ?

Complain to your ISP, i wrote a strong worded letter about poor service and not receiving the product i was promised and was paying for and told them as i was only receiving half the speed they promised me, that i would be instructing my bank to only pay half the DD and a few other things that happened, within a week of sending the letter, i had a brand new modem, a personal call from a a senior manager in the UK who gave me his direct dial number and email in case of future problems and i doubled my internet speed, it still isnt great, but im about as far away from the exchange as it's possible to get around here.

The trick is to send the letter to the CEO via recorded delivery, mark it as Confidential and tell them that unless the situation is resolved to your satisfaction, you will send copies of the letter and all supporting documentation, (such as a screen print of the speed test, make sure you have a couple of weeks worth to prove it's a continuous problem, i also had copies of the emails i sent to the alleged Customer service and the rude and condescending replies i received), to your MP, OfComm, Trading Standards, BBC Watchdog, the Pope and anyone else you can think of.

Worked for me