Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Speed Test?
What makes this different from other tests?
How accurate are the results?
What ISPs are supported?
Who are you? What are you doing here? Why did you make this?
How much does the Speed Test cost?
I donated towards the old version of the Speed Test - do I have to pay again?
Where can I download the Speed Test?
I don't have any technical knowledge of Internet connections. Will I be able to use the Speed Test?
Is a help file included with the Speed Test?
How do you ensure that the test servers are kept up to date?
Will this test work through my firewall?
Do I have to disable my antivirus?
Setup is telling me to download the Visual Basic 6 Runtime Files. What are these?
What are the minimum system requirements?

1. What is the Speed Test?

The Speed Test is a downloadable utility that you can use to test the performance of your Broadband connection. It performs numerous tests on your connection, including ping times, download speeds, upload speeds and packet loss, all of which come together to form an accurate picture of your overall connection state.

2. What makes this different from other tests?

This is a downloadable utility, which is installed on your system and is available whenever you want to access it from your Start Menu.

Unlike almost all web based speed tests, it doesn't use Javascript to time downloads - it uses its own precise timing methods. Javascript is known to not be accurate, especially when measuring speed as it does not take many things into account. It is also possible that your web browser can affect Javascript speed tests.

It uses localised servers to perform tests. Most speed tests are only good for the servers they are based in. This Speed Test uses servers across the globe to give everybody accurate results.

Because this is a downloadable utility, it offers many more features than regular speed tests, including exporting to file, printing, scheduled testing and results saving.

3. How accurate are the results?

Very accurate. The Speed Test uses real-life Internet servers to judge your downloads, and it times them using the system clock, accurate to fractions of a second. In addition, the Speed Test performs multiple download tests to servers across the globe, giving you the most accurate results possible.

4. What ISPs are supported?

All of them - the Speed Test has a built in list of Service Providers however you shouldn't worry if yours is not there, just select the 'Other/unlisted' option. You can also be based anywhere in the world.

5. Who are you? What are you doing here? Why did you make this?

I'm Dan Elwell - I'm a student currently studying Computer Science at Goldsmiths College, University of London. I created the original version of this test three years ago because I was getting tired of poor, inaccurate web based speed tests. The original version took off instantly, winning the acclaim of users, publications and service providers. I've supported and developed the Speed Test ever since.

6. How much does the Speed Test cost?

The Speed Test is free for basic use - there's no limit to how many tests you can conduct. However, if you wish to use advanced features, such as file exporting, scheduled testing and e-mailing you must register the software. Registration is only GBP 10 (about US$ 15) and can be done in a matter of minutes. Click here to register now.

The Speed Test costs money to maintain - I have to pay for web hosting (and the Speed Test consumes a lot of bandwidth), this is why there is a registration fee.

7. I donated towards the old version of the Speed Test - do I have to pay again?

If you through the SWREG system by credit/debit card then no, you do not have to pay again. Please contact me to get a registration key for this version, including your SWREG order number (if known). However, if you paid by means other than through SWREG then due to data protection reasons your details were not saved by myself, therefore I am not able to offer a free upgrade.

8. Where can I download the Speed Test?

From the download page.

9. I don't have any technical knowledge of Internet connections. Will I be able to use the Speed Test?

Yes! The Speed Test has been designed to be as newbie-friendly as possible, therefore you don't need any technical knowledge to use the Speed Test.

10. Is a help file included with the Speed Test?

Yes, a comprehensive help file has been included.

11. How do you ensure that the test servers are kept up to date?

Test servers are checked regularly and updated in the Speed Test Servers database. The Speed Test will automatically download a new servers file every ten days to ensure the test is kept working.

12. Will this test work through my firewall?

Yes - as long as your computer can access the web (via HTTP) then you can use this Speed Test.

13. Do I have to disable my antivirus?

No, and you never should disable your antivirus. Some versions of Norton are currently reporting that the Speed Test contains a malicious script. This is not true and the issue has been passed to Symmantec for investigation. In the meantime, you should ignore any malicious script errors generated by Norton Antivirus regarding the Speed Test.

14. Setup is telling me to download the Visual Basic 6 Runtime Files. What are these?

Any application written in Visual Basic (including the Speed Test) requires the VB6 runtime files to be installed. These are normally installed on most systems however some systems may not have them installed. You can download them here.

15. What are the minimum system requirements?

You must have Windows 98, ME, NT4, 2000 or XP installed and a Broadband (greater than 128k) connection. NT4 users must also have Service Pack 6a and Internet Explorer 4 or above installed.