Here is a source with excellent connection directions:

You should also look at these two pages:

Lastly, you will want to make sure that certain settings give your computer the best transfer speed so pages load fastest. No matter which version of Windows you are using, here is a page for you. It spells out what you need to do and you can download a program or two to help you along. Go there now:

Improve Your Connection Speed

As we mentioned earlier, your old telephone modem settings can get in the way of true broadband speed. To fix this, you need to use a couple of files that change the registry. Evereywhere on the Internet, everyone warns that changing the registry can do bad things. Although this is true, we have used the following files on dozens of computers with no problems. BUT BE WARNED: Only use these files if you are using a DSL or cable modem:

1) This file will make sure that your basic TCP/IP settings up to snuff. Download mtu.reg, right-click on it, and choose "Merge." A message box will confirm that the settings have been accepted.

2) This will allow your browser to bring Web pages up a little faster. Download web.reg, right-click on it, and choose "Merge." A message box will confirm that the settings have been accepted.

3) This will update a basic Windows file to work as best as it can. Download vtcp-upd.exe, double-click on it, and it will run. It will then ask you to re-start your computer.

How Fast?

Since 1999, scores of online speed test sites have cropped up. Unfortunately, the results from each site can vary greatly. But everyone is curious as to the speed of their broadband connection.

This site has a speed test based on real world-wide browsing of the Internet:

This site has links to more test sites than any other on the Web:

A Note About Security

Connecting to the Internet by broadband means that once your computer is on, you are on the Internet. Unlike telephone modems, your "Internet address" is the same day after day. Like your phone, whether you want them to or not, people are able to find you and connect to you. But unlike your phone, there is no "private number" on the Internet and some of these people can actually reach out into your home.

Of course we are talking about "hackers." Many columnists, and we, believe that protection from intrusion should be the "job" of the company that gives you your Internet access (your "ISP"). But that's not the case yet and you will have to do it yourself by using hardware, like a gateway-router, and/or software. Information about all this is available at several of the Web sites listed in the next section. We just want you to be aware that this matter of security is real and needs your attention.

Web Links For More Information

You can use the following links to learn as much as possible about broadband cable and DSL Internet connections:

Background: It's 1982. IBM releases the first non-Apple disk operating system: PC-DOS. Where did they get it from? Microsoft! PC-DOS is the organizer behind files and folders. It looks for unused space on your hard drive to put file and folders.

Fast-forward to 1992: Microsoft releases Windows. It puts pictures and menus on a PC computer screen where only numbers and characters were typed before. To do its work, Windows has DOS write temporary files onto the hard drive and erase them. This happens automatically. So, while the user of the PC is saving and deleting his or her work on the hard drive, so is Windows.

Fast-forward to 2002: Well, its been 20 years and Microsoft has released many versions of its Windows operating system. Most of them use the same file structure as was used in 1982. Oh sure... there have been improvements, and the latest versions technically don't have "DOS," but the way that files and folders are written to disk, and the way Windows works, still creates the same problem it did 10 and 20 years ago.

Problem: The unused spaces from all this writing and erasing become, over time, more numerous, smaller and scattered throughout the entire hard drive surface. Eventually, no empty space is big enough for an entire file. It has to be broken into several small empty spaces. Hard drive writing slows as DOS looks for spaces to write pieces of files, and keeping track of how to re-assemble these pieces into a single file when necessary. The problem grows as more, smaller spaces means that a file must be fragmented into more pieces.

Bigger problem: Every empty space, of course, lies in between two used spaces. If DOS doesn't write the information perfectly within the empty space, it can slightly overlap the space next to it. And that space already had data on it. There's more. If DOS doesn't keep track of what is where perfectly, some pieces can literally be lost. And... DOS has to keep track of where *all* the empty spaces are to use *all* the hard drive space. If DOS doesn't do this perfectly, some empty space is no longer available to use.

The solution: Microsoft licensed, from Norton Corporation, two programs - one to look at the hard drive and find errors. The second program collects up fragments of files, puts them all together and does the same for all unused spaces. Problem solved... sort of. Some people turn off their computers before Windows, and DOS, write down all the information they use to keep track of things. As it turns out, those people don't understand computers and only use the two programs when problems rear their ugly head. By then it is often too late.

The current solution: Windows now knows when a computer suddenly loses power or isn't "shut down properly." When it is next started up, It automatically runs Scan Disk to look for problems and fix them. The other program, Defrag, has to be voluntarily run to combine file fragments. And the way Defrag works, on large hard drives it can take a very long time to do its work (like overnight.) So... people don't use it.

The "perfect" solution: Now that you've read this, you know that:

2) Use the Windows Task Scheduler to automatically run both programs at least once a week.

If you don't know what the Task Scheduler is, double click on this icon in the task bar (usually at the bottom right of your screen):

Double-click on "Add Schedule Task" and follow the prompts. Don't worry, it's pretty easy. And rest assured that you are saving yourself the pain and aggravation of needlessly losing your hard work some time in the future.

NOTE: If you are learning about all this for the first time, or if you do not regularly do any "housecleaning" of your computer, then before you scan and defrag, FIRST:

The same is true for maintaining computers. Maybe more so, because the accumulation is often invisible. What accumulation you ask? Files accumulate, taking up hard drive space, and when too much space is taken up, your computer slows down.

Most of these files are necessary to the programs you use or the normal operation of Windows. But some are intended to be added to your computer temporarily, to make your programs and Windows work, and could be, actually should be, deleted when their work is done. Sometimes these temporary files are not deleted. Most times this happens when a program, or your computer, freezes up and crashes. Sometimes it happens because a program has not been programmed does not do the work it needs to do. Sometimes it is because of a programs settings (or "preferences".)

If you have limited free space on your hard drive, the effect of accumulation is dramatic. Your computer, almost imperceptibly, works slower and slower over time. Eventually, most people simply, and wrongly, think it is because their computer is "getting old." Actually it is because Windows does not have the free space for the "behind the scenes" work it needs to function.

So you MUST remove temporary files periodically. These days they are located in two places: the Windows Temporary folder and your browser's "cache."

It's simple: Weed out font files you do not need! This is something you do by using Windows Explorer and examining the files in your "Windows\Fonts" folder. highlight that folder in the left pane of Windows Explorer and the number of files will be displayed at the bottom of the left pane. It will say "xxx objects," where the "xxx" is the number of font files you have. If "xxx" is above 800, you should consider moving some files.

What To Do: Create a new folder, anywhere on your hard drive, called "Other Fonts." Now "Move" fonts from your Windows\Fonts folder to the new folder. Re-boot. That's all there is to it! And if you need one or more of those fonts in the future, all you have to do is move them back.

(NOTE: If you do not know how to do the above, you need to brush up on your basic Windows skills. You can learn more online. Try the FREE lessons at LearnThat.com to see if they help you.)

But very few people know they need to back up some key components of Windows. Why? To prevent starting over from scratch - from having to install Windows again, and probably EVERY program you have on your computer as well. Who wants to do that? No one!

Although there are several important files used by Windows, the most important is the registry - a database where Windows keeps track of your computer, your programs and, what becomes evermore over time, your Windows. The registry is actually two files - system.dat and user.dat. If either becomes "corrupted", you are sunk. If, at this point, you want to learn more about the registry, you'll find a good explanation, and other registry help, HERE.

So... although there are many installation programs, and places on the Internet, that will warn you to back up your registry files, there is no real emphasis on the following truth: To keep Windows working well, you need to actively do some tasks to keep your registry "healthy." If you don't, it is virtually guaranteed that Windows will fail you at some point.

Windows 95 does not back-up the registry. Windows 98 backs up registry files automatically. But it does it in a way that allows it to attempt to automatically fix things when there is registry problem. If you are a relative computer novice, this backup is not really useful to you if the Win98's automatic fix doesn't work. You'll wish you had a backup copy of the registry for you to try to fix things yourself.

What to do: Here is a simple system for you to use to keep your registry files working well and to have a backup in case your registry goes bad.

Making a Startup Disk (aka "Boot Disk") is easy. Go to "Start... Settings... Control Panel" and choose "Add/Remove Programs." Now choose the top Tab labeled "Startup Disk." There is a button there to begin creating your disk.

When will you need it? You will use it if the Windows registry or other key files become damaged, if you get a virus (you should use anti-virus software from DOS), if your hard drive has problems or if changes you make, by installing new hardware or software, cause problems and you need to go back to the ways things were before you had problems. Sounds kind of handy, huh?

Your Startup disk is also called a "known, clean system disk" because you (presumably) make it when you have no viruses and it will "boot" your system to DOS (with a working CD drive!) Make sure you store it in a safe place.

Alternative Startup Disks
You can also download startup disks for your operating system online at these sites:
(NOTE: We have NOT used the disks from ALL these sites.)
Standard

Companies also use the start-up as a means of advertising their presence by having their little icon near the clock (in the area called the taskbar.) That icon can start a program, but so can a shortcut on your desktop or in the "Programs" section of the "Start" button. Take America Online, for instance. Up until the most recent version, all that taskbar icon did was start the AOL program. Now it starts something called AOL Companion, but if your don't use that "companion," clearly there are other AOL shortcuts on your computer and you don't need it.

Each of these "start-up" programs and icons make your computer's boot a little longer and use up a little more memory. Over time, many programs wind up "secretly" loading and your computer start-up can take many times longer than it did when you first bought it.

To resolve this situation to your advantage, eliminate unnecessary programs by using the System Configuration Utility that comes with every version of Windows since Windows 98 SE. To run the System Configuration Utility go to "Start"... "Run" and type "msconfig" (without the quotes.)

The right-most tab lists all the programs (and services) that start up when Windows starts up. Uncheck any of them that you feel are not necessary. Once you are finished, click on the OK button. You'll be told to re-boot your computer. When you do, everything that you unchecked will no longer start.

Don't worry if you make a mistake. You can always run the System Configuration Utility and re-check the box next to a program you learn you need. But you don't have to go through a total trial and error process to determine what you need and what you don't. Answersthat work.com has an extensive list explaining most every program that might be starting on your computer. Just go to TASK LIST PROGRAMS to find the information you seek.

The System Configuration Utility is also used primarily to troubleshoot problems form programs that start up automatically. To learn more about this, search for "System Configuration Utility overview" in the Help file that comes with Windows.

Is there even more to do? Sure. Here is a resource with a checklist for you to follow from The Saganaw Valley Computer Association:

But... some companies offer FREE online virus scanning of your computer. You have to allow these companies to put a small program onto your computer, but that is a small risk compared to not scanning at all.

Here is a list of Web sites that will scan your computer for viruses and worms:

The original online viral scanner is from Trend Micro:
Trend Micro's Online Scan

Not to be outdone, Symantec offers a scan as well as evaluating your computer's overall security:
Symantec's Security Check

Lavasoft's Adaware has the most mature ware for finding this new breed of "problem-ware":
Adaware Personal Edition

Spybot-Search & Destroy is the name of freeware that often finds some additional malware:
Spybot-Search & Destroy

Now get this: companies are putting software on your computer without your knowing it! Everyone is aware of viruses and worms. These are malware created by individuals, mostly for their malicious fun. You are aware of these forms of malware and are likely using some kind of anti-virus software in the hopes of keeping viruses and worms off of your computer. By themselves, viruses and worms are certainly a plague, but now there is something else... something new... and you may not even be aware it is happening.

These forms of malware have new categories: "adware", "spyware", "hijackware" and "parasiteware" (the most common names.) All are secretly being installed onto your computer by COMPANIES, not individuals, and you either didn't read some fine print or, worse, you weren't ever asked to give your permission!

How do they wind up on your computer? In some cases, they are being "secretly" installed when you knowingly install software. The reason secretly is in quotes is that, in this case, the licensing agreement (aka "EULA"), that we all skip by clicking on the "AGREE" button, tells us it will happen. In rare cases, it happens with software that you purchased. In most cases, it happens with that FREE software you found on the Internet. If you installed some new freeware and are suddenly experiencing pop-up windows or there are ads in the software, then you have "adware" installed. If your computer suddenly seems a little sluggish after you installed freeware, then you may have some kind of "spyware" installed and running in the background where you can't see it. Spyware sends information about your travels and searches on the Internet to a computer. The purpose is for a company to gather information. Think of it as a secret survey of tens or hundreds of thousands of computers that is assembled by a company to compile information that will be sold to other companies. Why? So the companies that buy the information can better use the Internet to sell their products.

But software, free or otherwise, is not the only source of spyware. Nowadays, just traveling to a Web site can automatically and SECRETLY install spyware, as well as "hijackware" and "parasiteware." Have you ever gone to a Web site, and later you see a new toolbar at the top of your Internet Explorer or other browser? If so, your browser now has new "parasiteware" attached to it. Or when you next run your browser, does it go to a new Web page all by itself? If so, your browser has been "hijacked." The purpose: to have you use certain Web sites and Web services. Add to this that spyware and adware are also being installed this way and you have the scope of the problem.

Not only is this happening without your knowledge or permission, but, by the end of 2003, it became so wide-spread, with so many different malware programs installed in such quantity, that computers are crashing or running so slowly that they are unusable. It is the result of hundreds, if not thousands, of companies putting scores of programs onto your computer, all fighting for, and using up, your computer's resources. Computer techs everywhere have so many people coming to them daily with malware problems these days that it has become the #1 reason that computers won't run correctly!

Yes. This is exactly the same as if someone secretly opened your car's hood and put equipment in your engine that used more gas. And then someone else did it again.... and again... and again, until your car gets 1 mile per gallon of gas or your car breaks down on the side of the road.

It is NOT illegal, at the moment, for a Web site to secretly install software onto your computer. Why? WE don't know. But we do know it should be, just as it should be illegal for anyone to install any software onto your computer without making it VERY clear, in LARGE type, it will happen BEFORE it happens!!

Solutions: What can you do? You have to run malware-removing programs IN ADDITION TO your antivirus software. And you have to do it often every month. You also have to avoid certain kinds of Web sites, in particular porn, gambling, and software-cracking Web sites. You can also install pop-up and ad blockers, but these are like taking pills for the symptoms, not the disease.

You will find some solutions and information sources on the sidebar to the left. We strongly recommend that you use at least one solution from each section. As we said, the problems resulting from each type of ware are wide-spread. you CAN'T avoid them, but you CAN keep them in check. That will keep your computer from developing problems so severe that you are forced to pay a technician to fix things.

Double Virus Scanning: Included in the left sidebar are two sources for FREE anti-virus scanning online. Believe it or not, it is advisable for you to run more than one anti-virus software to check out your computer! Many times, one anti-virus software will find what another has missed. Using an online source for virus scanning is a good FREE way add a second anti-virus check of your computer.

Start-Up Software: You should also be aware that, in addition to malware, many software companies add programs to your computer that run when you first re-start ("re-boot") your computer. This happens in the software you actually buy and install. It also happens when you install some standard, legitimate "plug-ins" for your browser, like the Quicktime and Real players.

The purposes of start-up software varies - it can be as benign as providing reminders for birthdays or paying bills. But if you don't use the reminders, then your computer is running a program needlessly. Often times, the software is designed to "help" you use software by constantly running a "quick-start" program and placing an icon for it somewhere on your screen. For Windows (after all, this IS a Windows page), these are in the lower right of the taskbar (unless you moved the taskbar from the bottom of your screen), next to the clock. The REAL reason for these programs is to shout "ME! ME!! Remember and use ME!" at you so that you don't start using a competitor's program instead. Each program by itself is not a problem. But, like malware, SO MANY companies do this that the combined result is that your computer runs slower than it should.

Read the "Cleaning Up Your Start-Up" section, above, on this page, to learn about identifying and removing unnecessary start-up programs from your computer.

INSTANT MESSENGER WARNING: DO NOT, under any circumstances click on a link (or download a file) from a friend while Instant Messaging. Your friend's computer could have a virus that sends you a message with a link to a Web site and that Web site automatically installs spyware or a virus when you go there. ASK your friend FIRST if they actually sent the link.

SPAM: Some solutions for SPAM EMAIL are also included on the sidebar. Clearly the problems in using the Internet include SPAM. Laws are evolving to reduce the problem of SPAM, but what is truly required is more action by more people and companies negatively impacted by SPAM (see the "COMPLAIN" that follows.)

A Less-Known Anti-Spam Tip: Do NOT allow your email program to automatically send "read receipts"! This is something that can happen automatically behind the scenes unless you make sure it doesn't. A "read receipt" is the same as a "Return Receipt Requested" when you send mail at your Post Office. Spammers use it to verify that your email address is valid. No read receipt and your email address will be removed from the spammer's list! You can set things up to decide when you want a read receipt to be sent (Just Say "No" unless you decide otherwise):

In Outlook Express: On the Tools menu, click Options Click the "Receipts" tab at the top Under "Returning Read Receipts," click on the button marked "Nofiy me for each read receipt request"

In Outlook: On the Tools menu, click Options Click E-mail Options, and then click Tracking Options Under "Use this option to decide how to respond to requests for read receipts. Only applies to Internet Mail accounts," click on the button marked "Ask me before sending a response"

In other email programs, or in Web-based mail like Hotmail, look for a similar option or ask their tech support for assistance.

COMPLAIN: We also suggest you write to your state and federal decision-makers to ask that something be done to make all of these malware practices illegal. It won't stop the problem, but it may lessen it.

Take the time also to complain to those companies that use malware & SPAM, as well as the Web sites it comes from and Internet Service Providers that carry it. There must be a combining of "voices" from those of us that are affected. We can't sit by and hope someone else will fix these problems. We are experiencing these problems precisely because hackers, malware companies and spammers are taking action while we, the affected, take virtually none.

These practices, and resulting problems, were never intended to be the result of creating the Internet as an information and communications tool. It is a Plague of Greed that impacts on us all. And it, unfortunately, proves that, left to its own, human nature en masse most often tends towards the lowest common denominator, not its highest ideals. It also shows us (again) that a small group of people can ruin things for the larger group.

In its first decade, the Internet has become entrenched world-wide in daily life. But those of us who use it need to speak loudly against those who abuse it or the Internet will become unusable - no more than a fad and footnote in the history of humankind.

MORE INFORMATION: You will find more information at these sites:

SpamCon Foundation Law Center Spammers List Spyware Guide Security Focus

U.S. citizens can use the following pages to locate their elected officials: Locate Your Federal Elected Officials Locate Your State Elected Officials Locate Your Local Elected Officials

How can you know if you want it without buying it first? Here is an alternative - read some articles online that give you some of the look and feel of Microsoft's latest version of Windows. If you are interested then head over to:

Update: There is an alternative... Every version of Windows has a program named winver.exe. Go to Start... Run... and type in "winver" (without the quotes) and left-click on the OK button. The information about your version of Windows will appear. Now use the Microsoft article to learn which version you have.

Even though Microsoft has built in some protection against overwriting new files with old, you should still be careful and read the explanations for each file to see if there is a warning of any type. Some files may only be for a certain version of Windows and are NOT for you. Most *will* be, so read the descriptions carefully before you download and install any files.

Even so, you may have installed new software only to find that Windows, or other software, suddenly has problems. This can be because the installation replaced your current support files with old ones. If you have Windows 98, Microsoft finally has a "Libraries Update" for you to download and install. This could get you back to top-notch shape. You'll find the download here:

If you have Windows 95, try downloading and installing the "DCOM for Win95". You'll find the link lower down on this page.
(Note: Even if you have Windows 98, the "DCOM For Win98" link below may help if the "Microsoft Windows 98 Library Update" does not.)

But, those of you who can't obtain Win98SE, or don't wish to, still can make important improvements to your computer.

If you still have the original Windows 95 (version 950) follow all these steps. If you have version 950a, then skip steps #1 and #2.

First two steps:

1. Read about Service Pack 1 and how to install it, download it from this page: Windows 95 Service Pack 1 Fixes and install it
2. Next, go to this Web page for a list of updates that came AFTER the Service Pack: Windows 95 Update Downloads. Download and install all files except the ones relating to Service Pack 1 (you already did that one.)

You are now running Windows 95 950a, with additional updates, but this is not where it ends.

Microsoft had still newer versions of Windows 95 called "OSR2". They are identified as version 4.00.950 B or 4.00.950 C. You could not purchase these versions as they were only available on then-new computers. You may have it on your computer right now and need to learn more about "OSR2." Microsoft used to have a summary of OSR2 on their site, but they have "moved on" with Windows 98. This non-Microsoft site has a FAQ (Frequently Answered Questions) that is the best source of OSR2 information: OSR2 FAQ By Sean Erwin.

The files you will find on this page:

What follows next is optional, but you may want to make sure you have *everything* :

The fonts that come with every version of Windows are called the "core" fonts by Microsoft. These fonts were updated over the years to keep improving their appearance and legibility. That affects just about everything from Web pages to your printed documents. Your version of Windows may have older versions of the fonts.

Unfortunately, Microsoft ended making their FREE core fonts available for downloading. But never fear... they can still be downloaded HERE.

Microsoft still maintains Web pages about their use of fonts. They now have links to other sources of fonts, including FREE font publishers. To find them, go to Microsoft’s Typography section at:

For Windows 95, there also used to be a "Font Smoothing" program and a "Font Properties Extension." But these are no longer available. You can, however, search the Internet to see if you can still find them.

Don’t delete the files you’ve downloaded thus far. You might need them again *and* having them all in one directory will help with this next step:

There is one more page at Microsoft’s site to visit and possibly download update & enhancement files:

The link above takes you to a Web page with a search box Under "Select A Product", choose your version of Windows 95 and then Click on "Go." The list that appears will have more than you will need (some of the downloads are for network management or programmers, for example.) But run down the list and BE SURE to read all information before you take the time to download and install anything. Don't forget to bookmark the page so you can return to it.

You can try to download and save any of these files to the directory in which you have all the other files. If your browser asks if you want to replace a file, then you’ve already downloaded it. You can cancel the download and move onto the next file. If not, then go ahead and grab it. There are files, for instance, that update the Winsock and the TCP/IP stack which you *will* want and are unavailable from the pages mentioned earlier in this section.

If you don’t get any files from the "Windows Family Download" page, your machine is likely to run just fine, so don’t fret this one (although the updated Winsock and TCP/IP files might yield improved operations of your Internet connection.)

Lastly, you probably want to download Microsoft’s Internet Explorer (IE), even if you do not intend to use it (although about 90% of all Internet users *do* use it.) You may know that, instead of being a separate program, Microsoft has constructed Internet Explorer to be an intrinsic part of the Windows operating system. An updated install of Internet Explorer will also install some Windows updated support dll files which are unavailable elsewhere. We do know that the general support files it installs are left after you uninstall IE. And it's fool-proof. The IE Install program *will* inform you if you have newer files from all the updating described earlier in this post. If you have a newer file, then you can tell the Install program to leave it alone! You're already using Internet Explorer? There may also exist Service Packs to update your current version of IE If you want the latest on Internet Explorer, you'll find it, and more, listed on the:

If you DO install Internet Explorer, you very well may not be able to uninstall it, especially if you delete some of the files you think are not necessary afterwards. Read all the installation documentation and you won't go wrong.

Now download and install these updates to give your system the most current functions for Windows:

DirectX: The first is the current version of the DirectX Multimedia Extensions. These will have your computer showing video and playing music and sound better than ever. DirectX is also now essential for many Win95 games. The DirectX Extensions can be downloaded from: Microsoft DirectX Info/Download Pages

DCOM: The next is as, or more, important: the DCOM files. Every company that programs uses certain support files necessary to have their ware run in Windows. The problem is that there are older and newer versions of these files and some of the problems you experience in Windows comes from older files replacing newer ones when you install software. Microsoft finally "wised up" and has the current versions of these files available for you to download and install (and re-install anytime you think you are having a problem!).Forget any more technical explanations (read this if you are curious). Just download these two files and double-click on them to install: DCOM For Win95 and DCOM Configuration Utility For Win95 DCOM For Win98 and DCOM Configuration Utility For Win98

Media Player: There is a new Windows Media Player and you should try it out on all you audio and video files. You can download it, and read more about it at the:Windows Media Player Home Page

Dial-Up: There are Dial Up Networking upgrades to help you better connect to the internet by telephone modem. They are available for everyone to read about in general HERE. You can read the specifics for your version of Windows, and download the DUN upgrade, using these links: Windows 95 DUN 1.4: Read This Article and Download This Upgrade. Windows 98 DUN 1.4: Read This Article and Download This Upgrade. Windows 98 SE DUN 1.4: Read This Article and Download This Upgrade.

Now you know everything you need to know to get current and stay current (and to tell others how to stay current.)

That’s all she wrote (unless you have Windows Me or Windows 2000, in which case, come back here in a while to find out more about updating these versions of Windows.)