To do this properly please read our previous post: How to make your computer faster.
Once you have everything done next step is to check with your Internet Service Provider (ISP)
You need decent upload/download speed , once you confirm your speed with them please run some tests to make sure that you get what you are paying for.You can use any bandwidth tester, just make sure they provide accurate results. Your test results should match speed your ISP is giving to you. I use speedtest.net
If your test results are lower you should check you cable connections and signal strength before contacting your ISP. Note that test results may vary so it is important to do couple of tests.
When you confirm that everything is good, than finally we will talk about Domain Name System (DNS) Resolution service. That is important because every time you visit a website your computer performs a DNS lookup or multiple lookups in some cases. DNS protocols are used to translate Internet domain and host names to IP addresses of web servers hosting those websites. Faster DNS servers automatically means better internet browsing experience.
You are assigned DNS Server IP addresses automatically by your ISP via Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol (DHCP), but these can be slow sometimes depending on DNS your ISP use. It is important to write down your DNS IP addresses assigned by your service provider in case you need to revert later on.
To get fastest IP`s for your area you can try out "namebench" that is compeaetely free Google project which will hunt down fastest DNS servers for your computer to use. Search online for namebench, download and start the project. However, I use Google Public DNS as follows:
- IPv4
8.8.8.8 ( set this as preferred IP )
8.8.4.4 ( set this as alternate IP ) - IPv6
2001:4860:4860::8888 ( prefered )
2001:4860:4860::8844 ( alternate )
To change your settings go to Start - Control Panel then Network and Internet then Network and sharing center. Click Change adapter settings that is located at the Top-Left side and go to Properties of the adapter that you are using for the Internet connection. Lets say that is Wireless Network Connection than you should right mouse click on it and choose Properties from the list. Window like this should appear with IPv4 and IPv6.
To change it you should have it selected and click "Properties button".
If you have access to the Router that that you are using for Internet than you could just go to your router settings and change it over there. That way Google Public DNS will be used for your entire network.
Your Internet upload/download speed will be the same just you will notice difference while browsing pages.