Slow Internet and what YOU can do - Computer Repair Winchester, VA

Welcome! Let’s Fix That Slow Internet

Hi there! I’m Skits!

I’m here to help you understand why your internet might be crawling and what you can do about it. No worries – we’ll keep this friendly and simple. Let’s get your business back up to speed!

Why This Matters

Slow internet isn’t just annoying – it costs your business real money. When your team can’t access files, customers wait on hold, or your POS system freezes, you’re losing productivity and trust.

In this course, you’ll learn:

The most common causes of slow internet in small businesses
Quick fixes you can try right now
When to call for professional help
How to prevent future slowdowns

What’s Slowing You Down?

Let’s play detective!

Most slow internet issues come from just a handful of causes. Once you know what to look for, fixing them is usually pretty straightforward.

Top 5 Internet Speed Killers

Too Many Devices: Every phone, tablet, laptop, security camera, and smart device shares your bandwidth. With 10+ devices, things slow down fast.
Outdated Equipment: That router you got in 2015? It can’t keep up with today’s demands. Modems and routers typically need replacing every 3-5 years.
Weak Wi-Fi Signal: Walls, distance, and interference from other electronics create dead zones and slow spots.
ISP Issues: Sometimes your internet provider is throttling your speed or you simply don’t have enough bandwidth for your needs.
Background Programs: Updates, cloud backups, and yes – sometimes malware – can hog your connection without you realizing it.

Quick Fixes to Try Right Now

Time for action!

These simple steps fix about 60% of internet issues. Let’s start with the easiest solutions first.

The “Did You Try Turning It Off and On?” Checklist

1. Restart Your Router and Modem

Unplug both devices, wait 30 seconds, plug in the modem first, wait for it to fully boot (2 minutes), then plug in the router. This clears temporary glitches.

2. Test Your Speed

Visit Speedtest.net and run a test. For a small business, you want at least 50-100 Mbps download speed. Less than that? Time to talk to your ISP.

3. Reduce Connected Devices

Disconnect devices that aren’t in use. Ask employees to turn off Wi-Fi on personal phones during work hours if bandwidth is tight.

4. Improve Wi-Fi Coverage

Move your router to a central location, away from walls and metal objects. Consider a Wi-Fi extender or mesh network for larger offices.

5. Update Router Firmware

Log into your router (usually at 192.168.1.1) and check for firmware updates. This is like giving your router a tune-up.

Let’s Practice: Speed Test Challenge

Time to test your knowledge!

Complete this exercise to move forward. Don’t worry – there are no wrong answers, just learning opportunities!

🎯 Scenario: Your Speed Test Results

You ran a speed test and got 25 Mbps download speed. Your office has 5 employees who regularly use video calls, cloud software, and email. Is this speed adequate for your needs?

When to Call the Pros

Sometimes you need backup!

It’s not your job to stress about technical issues – that’s MY job! Here’s when to reach out for help.

Red Flags That Mean “Call Jerry”

Speed tests show you’re getting much less than you’re paying for – Your ISP might need a call, or there could be equipment issues
Slow internet only happens at certain times – This could indicate ISP throttling or peak usage problems
You’ve tried the quick fixes and nothing improved – Time for professional diagnostics
You need to upgrade your network infrastructure – New routers, switches, or a complete network redesign
Your router is more than 5 years old – Technology changes fast; an upgrade might solve everything
You’re planning to add more employees or devices – Let’s make sure your network can handle the growth

Don’t Struggle Alone!

SKTS offers free purchase consulting and same-day or next-day service for Winchester area businesses.

Quick Recap

Let’s review what we learned!

You’ve covered a lot in just a few minutes. Here’s a quick summary before we test your knowledge.

What We Covered

✓ Top causes of slow internet: Too many devices, old equipment, weak Wi-Fi, ISP issues, and background programs

✓ Quick fixes to try: Restart equipment, test your speed, reduce devices, improve Wi-Fi coverage, and update firmware

✓ When to get help: If quick fixes don’t work, speeds don’t match what you’re paying for, or you need equipment upgrades

✓ Expected speeds: Small businesses need at least 50-100 Mbps, with more required for video calls and cloud software

💡 Key Takeaway

Most internet problems have simple solutions, but you shouldn’t have to figure them out alone. That’s what we’re here for!

Knowledge Check Quiz

Quiz time!

Answer this question to complete the course and prove you’re ready to tackle internet issues like a pro. You must answer correctly to finish!

📝 Final Question

Which of the following is NOT a common cause of slow internet in a small business?

Congratulations! 🎉

You did it!

You now know how to diagnose and fix the most common internet issues. Give yourself a pat on the back – you’re on your way to faster, more reliable internet!

Your Next Steps

Run a speed test right now – Go to Speedtest.net and see where you stand
Try the quick fixes – Restart your equipment and see if it helps
Check your router’s age – If it’s over 5 years old, consider upgrading
Monitor your speeds – Run tests weekly to catch problems early

Ready to Take Your Network to the Next Level?

We don’t just fix computers – we educate. Let’s optimize your office network for speed, reliability, and growth.

📞 Call Jerry at 540.303.2410

Same-day or next-day service • Free purchase consulting • Winchester, VA and surrounding areas

💼 Subscription Services Available

Monthly plans starting at just $35/mo per machine – includes monitoring, maintenance, and priority support.

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