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Clear DNS Cache

admin — Thu, 02 Jul 2009 16:16:45 +0000

Windows XP/Vista store the DNS information of Web sites you’ve visited, to reach those sites faster each time you access them. The cache sometimes gets corrupted or stores a lot of unusable data, and that leads to slower Internet response times. To clear the cache, go to the command prompt and type ipconfig /flushdns. The command purges the DNS cache and restores your Internet access speed.

Mario Morejon, PCMag

A Quick Fix for Slow Internet Access

admin — Sun, 14 Jun 2009 20:55:58 +0000

This morning a neighbor asked me if my Internet access was really, really slow the last couple days. (We subscribe to the same ISP.) I said no, it’s been just fine. Then I offered him the same suggestion I offer most folks who complain about connectivity problems: power-cycle your modem and router.

In other words, disconnect the power cords from both, wait about 10 seconds, and then plug them back in. In a minute or two, your network will be up and running again, and your Internet access might be its good old speedy self. I say “might be” because there are loads of other possible culprits for pokey Internet connections.

For example, you might have a spyware problem. Windows’ Internet settings might be FUBAR (or at least less than optimal). If you’re connecting via a wireless router, there could be range issues.

In most cases, however, it’s probably just a router and/or modem in need of rebooting. For the record, my neighbor told me the power-cycling trick worked like a charm. Hmm, maybe I should send him a bill? Nah, I’ll just give him a link to Hassle-Free PC. Feel free to do likewise for friends and relatives who need answers to common PC problems!

Rick Broida, PCWorld

Is the Problem With My Modem or My Router?

admin — Sun, 14 Jun 2009 20:50:17 +0000

You can isolate the problem by trying different configurations. Try these tests:

1) If you use WiFi, move your PC into the same room as your router and use an Ethernet connection. If the problem goes away, it’s a WiFi problem, although you still won’t know if it’s the router or the PC.

2) Try replacing one or more of the cables involved. If you replace an expensive router and then discover the problem is a $2 telephone cable, you’ll hate yourself in the morning.

3) Borrow another laptop or invite a friend to work at your home for a couple of days. If you have the problem and they don’t, the problem is with your PC.

4) Bypass the router and connect the modem directly to your PC. If the problem reoccurs, the problem is either with the modem or the connection. But remember, not using a router is inherently dangerous, so go back to the router as soon as you’ve identified the problem.

And if the problem doesn’t go away after all of these tests, it’s your ISP’s fault, even if they insist it isn’t.

Lincoln Spector, PCWorld