Guide to Internet Performance

Ensure your web site and Internet performance is at its best

By Lea Terry, Freelance Journalist / Copywriter

1. Images and pages that load slowly or improperly
2. A slow Internet connection, or one that is lost frequently
3. Problems with your hard drive that can cause an Internet performance issue
   

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Use web performance tools to test your Internet speed and check for problems

Web performance testing is often quick and easy, thanks to the many online and downloadable tools available. With these tools, you can test your Internet speed; check for problems, such as corrupt files, that can slow your computer down; and even scan for harmful spyware.

I recommend: At the web site for Toast.net, an Internet service provider, you can test the speed of your Internet connection, both upload and download speeds. Scan your computer for free with the trial version of PC Pitstop Optimize 2.0, a web site performance tool that speeds up your computer to enhance Internet speed.

Learn how to improve Internet performance

Whether you uncover an Internet performance problem or just want to give your system a boost, you can find tools, software and even free online classes to help you enhance your web site and Internet functioning.

I recommend: Take a free online class or interactive tutorial at CNET's Tips and Tricks section, ask advice from fellow Internet surfers at the discussion forums or sign up for the site's Tip of the Day newsletter. Download free software to improve your Internet speed at Shareware Connection.

Monitor your web site performance

Whether you're using a web site as your primary source of marketing and selling, or as a supplement to other methods, you'll want to keep a close eye on the site's technical performance--and on the response it gets from visitors. With web site performance tools, you can keep an eye on how well your site operates, and track things like the total number of visitors, repeat visitors, and the most popular sections of your site.

I recommend: With Webmetrics, you can monitor web page availability and load times from outside your firewall, so you know how the site works from your customer's perspective. With software from Web Performance, you can test the load speed of your site.

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  No matter how small your business is, it's worth the investment to designate someone to oversee your web site and Internet performance. If you can afford to have a webmaster, they'll obviously be the person in charge of that, but if not, you probably have an employee you can train to monitor at least the basics.