How to maximize your dial-up speed in four easy steps

As you know, speed is the name of the game when it comes to connecting to the Internet. But what about those of us still using modems? Instead of moving to broadband we, too, could use a little extra oomph to get the job done.

Well, if you're running the Windows operating system, I've got a few goodies for you. Check out these articles on tweaking your modem for a super speedy connection.

• Go faster with your 56K modem
  First, you've got to tweak with what you've got. Stuck without a cable modem? Then learn how to optimize your 56K modem for a quick, reliable connection to the Internet with these tips.

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• More parts means more speed
  Do you have two phone lines in your home? How about an extra modem? If you do, you can take advantage of these extra resources and increase your bandwidth. Learn how to speed up your Internet dial-up connection with a second phone line and a second modem.

• How fast is fast?
  Okay, let's be realistic. You can't blame everything on your modem. For example, do you know if your ISP is really delivering on its promises of fast Internet connectivity? Use NetPerSec to call its bluff! Clock your connection speed to find out the real deal.

• But what if I can't even get my modem running?
  If you're having problems getting your modem up and running, you're not alone. It turns out that Windows 2000 has a modem installation bug. Plug-and-play was supposed to make hardware installation easier, but with Windows 2000, you might end up experiencing a glitch.

  Hopefully, these tips will help you wring the most performance out of your dialup connection and keep you satiated until you can get a broadband connection.