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Best Free TCP Settings Tweaker
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In a Hurry?
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Introduction
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Speed is usually the feature that many of us value most for Internet connectivity. It's not only the connection speed that your provider brings to your modem but also the TCP (Transmission Control Protocol) settings on your workstation that can have quite an influence in this matter. If you are an XP user in most cases you'll get a faster connection if you tweak your connection's TCP parameters. Users of Windows Vista or Windows 7 should note that any changes they make will only last until the next system restart. Microsoft has decided to take control of these settings. |
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Discussion
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For those of us that don't carry around Request For Comments in our head, TCPOptimizer will generate values automatically following some simple tests. It is worth remembering that the product is aimed at the North American market so the web sites used for the latency test are all based there. These are simple to change and will give a more accurate result. There are commercial programs that will do much the same thing but TCPOptimizer does it just as well and is totally free. The only minus is the lack of in-program help, however, you'll find a useful FAQ at the SpeedGuide website. |
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Related Products and Links
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Editor
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| This software category is in need of an editor. If you are interested in taking it over then check out this page for more details. You can then contact us from that page or by clicking here. |
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Tags
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| optimize internet connection, tune internet connection, tweak tcp ip parameters, tune system, tune connection speed, broadband internet connection. |
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It really works! Five stars… until now (see “PS” in the bottom)
It is the first day of my test of the program but the first impressions are very positive.
The increase in the speed of loading of web pages with images, flash elements, java,… were between two to three times faster!
(My OS is the Windows Vista 32 with IE9.)
However, I will leave some suggestions:
1- Close the IE, other open programs, the sidebar that has directly connections with internet, the antivirus programs, etc...
2- Execute the program (there is no installation) with rights administrative privileges in context menu. The program opens with the current definitions (see the bottom of window) in the “General Settings” tab.
3- Backup with File menu, "Backup actual settings" and save the file (it can be opened with notepad like programs).
4- Adjust in the slide "Connection Speed" for the maximum bandwidth provided by the service provider.
5- In "Chose settings" choose "Optimal" and click "Apply changes".
6- Restart the computer, ... et voila!
To test, try to open "heavy" web pages!
Good luck
PS: but remember ... it was only my first day of the test and I have to be attentive to the stability of IE9, if the loading of Web pages is maintained rapid in a consistent way, and the comportment of other programs that needs and interacts with internet.
now 3.0.7
TCPO is now 3.0.6, as the download site says.
As of this month TCPO is up to version 3.05. :)
There is new 3.0 version available with Windows Vista / 7 / 2008 Server support.Great utility! I've been using it for last 2 years and can surely say: there nothing's better than TCP Optimizer!
Mr. Mayell:
Thanks for recommending TCP- I use it and like it reasonably well. I was just wondering if you've tried any other optimizers lately that you think worthy of mention?
i still dont understand.
i want my internet speed to increase though.
can some1 please explain it step by step?
many thanks
No matter what version of windows you have, to increase your speed, you need to do the following: Clean out your puter from unwanted junk. Then defrag, then kill those automatic startups, Kill those processes you don't need. reboot. If your still not up to speed, then you need to swithch from your Ip to a DNS # Norton DNS is secure helps with virusus and malware. it's free. then and only then if you want even more speed, Overclock your puter, word of caution overclocking your puter if done wrong will do great damage if not done correctly so use overclock as a last resort. you can check upload and download speeds at the following, speedguide.net good luck
Hi, please call me Rik, Mr Mayell makes me feel old!
Anyway, from Vista on tweaking of IP settings becomes the perview of the operating system. The only setting you can change is Max MTU, but that only lasts until a reboot. This 'feature' can become a major pain in certain circumstances but I have yet to find a way around it.
NB You don't have to DHCP to obtain an IP address.
Rik
My thanks for your kindness! I have XP so I suppose I can tweak. I've been using TCP and it works pretty well. I've been trying other optimizers like Ashampoo's and Auslogics. Most give wildly varying results-odd considering that you'd think the optimal protocols for each ISP (cable modem, DSL, etc) should be set out. Even with TCP I feel like there is someone out there who offers more, but I could be wrong. :)
At any rate, Thank You for your efforts! Kyuzo.
Can I use these sorts of tools if my home computer is connected to a router? And when I'm looking for the resulting speed increase, do you mean my upload/download speed, or the time it takes to load a random internet site, or what? Thanks.
you probably caught a virus..run antivirus..and then google for uninstall IE8..BUT first download a copy of IE8 at filehippo...
reinstall IE8.
IE 8 is as slow as they come, nothing immediately would suggest a virus although that is a possibility. At the risk of stating the obvious, suitable antivirus and antimalware software should always be installed and maintained. If you need help with this post in the forum.
Rik Mayell - Category Editor
Is there a way to speed up Windows Internet Explorer 8? I have Vista and it opens slow......any suggestions?
TCP/IP tuning techniques do not work with Windows Vista / 7. Microsoft decided they could do a better job themselves; arguable at the best of times.
The best way to speed up Internet Explorer 8 is not to use it at all. You will have a safer and faster internet experience if you switch to say, Firefox.
If you must stick with IE then make sure you have upgraded Vista to service pack 2, applied all recommended updates and defragmented the hard disk. If you can move to Windows 7 that will significantly improve overall PC performance.
Rik Mayell - Category Editor
Have att wireless....is there a program that will speed it up? A program that will increase it more than the 54.0 mbps.
The 54.0 mbps speed you are seeing is a limitation of the networking standard you are using. As, when, and if, the draft 802.11n standard is ratified manufacturers will know where they stand and be able to bring higher speed products to consumers.
Personally, I run my house on Gigabit ethernet. I do have a WAP but it's segmented from the main network being on the same segment as the ADSL router. The WAP device is blocked by IP zone from sending anything into the clean part of the network.
Rik Mayell - Category Editor
I've been using TCP Optimizer for over 5 years, on numerous workstations and it has never failed to increase the internet speed. The one exception was today when I ran into the Vista auto-tuning issue. It seems that Vista automatically shrinks the receive window size to an odd number that is not a multiple of 2 and then when it is needed, it grows it to accomodate the traffic received.
I turned it off, noticed no immediate difference, and twenty minutes later I was down to a crawl because the cache filled up with junk and wasn't released.
So, it seems that Microsoft has killed off another jewel of the industry trying to keep us all dumbed down and helpless.
Any suggestions around this would be welcome!!!
I tried various optimizers. Speed Guide's TCPOptimizer yielded best results, BUT takes more effort than others - lot of trial & error to find right combination. You have to check download speed after every MANUAL adjustment till you hit sweet spot (the one-click "optimum setting" didn't do much). My DSL speed is advertised as 1000 kbps, but never went faster than 380. After spending an entire afternoon with TCPOptimizer, it improved to 900 kbps. Though it was an effort, I doubt any other optimizer can improve on this. Now that I know the optimum settings, all I do is type them in every time I reinstall and, voila! Of course, if you want a quick & easy solution, this is not for you, but it's a trade off. DrTCP is also good, as it efficiently implements some manual settings, but it has fewer options and cannot squeeze those last few drops out. BTW, TCPOptimizer is also a small, stand alone app.
need update!
suggestions? perhaps an ashampoo vs tcpoptimizer comparison?
Yes, sorry this review desperately needs an update, unfortunately I have been tied up the Security Wizard in recent weeks. This is now at the top of my list (whatever that means :))
Rik Mayell - Category Editor
I am the new category editor for this review. My name is Rik and I already edit the review Best Free Windows 7 / Vista 64 bit Software.
Over the next week or so I shall be reviewing reader comments and then carrying out a review of what works, and what doesn't, in this field.
My first job will be to add contact details to the review so you can reach me in a number of ways, should you wish to.
Rik Mayell - Category Editor
I recommend DFUE Tweaker from majorgeeks.com i have used most mentioned here, but none compare to real results for dial up and cable ect... if you want real results go to majorgeeks and type DFUEE TWEAK in the search box download and your good to go. easy to use and no hassels, no advertizing, from grandpa
http://www.freewarefiles.com/downloads_counter.php?programid=16430
Ashampoo Internet Accelerator is straightforward and effective. easily the best choice for the average user!
http://www.ashampoo.com/frontend/products/php/product.php?session_langid...
TCPOptimizer is definately a great tool, I recommend it!
i want to ask..
when using router.. and pppoe ... connecting by the router with user pass..
not by winxp..
what should i use?
wont i need to change some setting in the router it self ?
Has anyone tried a program called "Full Sppeed"? - http://www.getfullspeed.com/
I'm not sure if it's trustworthy..
CableNut is super optimizer:
http://www.dslnuts.com/
I recommend CableNut:
http://www.cablenut.com
http://www.dslnuts.com
http://www.broadbandnuts.com
You can get configuration files from here:
http://www.j79zir.com
I ask the Editor to put this program on the list.