When it comes to Internet browsing and downloading, some connections deliver more speed than others. Reported download speeds often differ from the actual speed one gets using the connection, and there are factors that affect how quickly your computer communicates online.

Here is some clarification on speeds and how to get the most out of the connection you have.

Speed: Reported vs. Actual The speeds quoted by Internet service providers (ISPs) are usually the fastest clocked speed on that type of connection under ideal conditions. Unfortunately, those ideal conditions may not be reproduced as often as users would like. For example, reported cable downloads are lightning fast, but because it is a shared connection, speed is affected by the number of users logged on at the same time. During high-traffic times, connection speeds may be much slower than the widely cited maximums.

General Speed Factors  Some general factors that affect connection speed include:

Service  Essentially, the most important factor in your Internet connection speed is the type of service you subscribe to. Broadband is faster than dial-up, but even within broadband there are different levels of connection speeds.

Hardware  The fastest model of hardware will clearly give you the fastest connection to the Internet. For example, dial-up speeds will be determined by whether you use a 28K or 56K modem. To get the most out of your hardware, be sure you have the most recent drivers as well. Check the manufacturer site periodically for updates and possible downloads that could help your hardware function more efficiently.

Browser  Download the most current version of your Web browser from the manufacturer site. Newer versions may be improved for more streamlined browsing and fewer software snags that slow you down in older versions.

Graphics  If you are using the Web mainly to search for text-based information, you may choose to disable multimedia capabilities in your browser settings. Bypassing graphics, animations, and sound files will markedly increase your download speed, especially on dial-up. If you decide you need multimedia capabilities at any point, you can always switch back in a few clicks. The options can be set in your browser preferences menu.

Cache  Your cache helps your computer remember what sites you've visited, storing frequently accessed sites in its short term memory so it doesn't have to download them again entirely each time you visit. Your browser allows you to designate how long sites are saved and how much memory you want to dedicate to their storage on your hard drive.

Service-Specific Factors  In addition to the previously listed factors influencing connection speeds, each type of service has its own Achilles heel. The following information outlines the issues associated with popularly used services:

Dial-up  If you are using a dial-up connection, the speed is affected by the hardware you are using and the local access number you choose. When setting up your primary and secondary access numbers for your ISP, make sure the servers you select deliver the fastest speeds your modem can handle. For example, your ISP may offer 28K or 56K connections within your area. If you have a 56K modem, be sure to select a 56K access number.  Being disconnected from your account while using dial-up will clearly slow you down too. Confirm that call waiting is disabled when logging on to avoid being bumped offline by incoming calls. Using your account during the busiest times of the day can increase your chances of getting disconnected as well.

Cable  While cable boasts one of the fastest download speeds available, the actual speed is affected by the number of users online and can vary greatly throughout the day. A small geographic area of people shares a single main cable connection on a wide area network (WAN). Actual download speeds diminish as more users go online. During primetime usage, everyone on the WAN will experience slower service. At all times, cable's maximum download speed, about 1.5 Mbps, tends to be significantly faster than its maximum upload speed, about 384 Kbps.

DSL  Digital subscriber line (DSL) connection speed is determined both by the level of service you have chosen from your ISP and your distance from the local phone company's central wiring facilities. You can select a range of speeds and pay accordingly, the fastest topping out at 9 Mbps. The further you are from the phone company, the more "noise" is on the line and the slower the connection becomes. If you are really far from the phone company, service may not be available at all. If you are in an area where the phone lines have a good deal of noise, you're going to get poorer results with DSL connections.

T1  T1 uses a dedicated phone line and hardware to convert digital data into analog signals and vice versa, like a modem. T1 offers speeds up to 1.5 Mbps. Unlike cable, T1 offers constant and equal download and upload times. The number of users online does not affect T1; it remains connected at the speed you have subscribed to from the ISP, regardless of the time of day. It's expected that certain services will be affected by outside factors, regardless of the lightning fast speeds commonly attributed to those connections. Be aware of the issues affecting download speeds and the adjustments you can make to boost your connection so you can cruise the information superhighway as fast as possible.