Hamburg  - DSL connections are often slower than the speeds claimed by the DSL providers. That's why Hamburg-based Computer Bild magazine recommends that customers test the speed of their internet connection.

A cost-free test can be run using the tool provided on http://dsl-speedtest.computerbild.de. Make sure you turn off all programs including virus scanners before running the measurement. The test should also be repeated at various times of the day to provide a meaningful, average value.

If the speed is significantly below the advertised rate, then the customer should complain to the DSL provider and demand a switch to a cheaper rate. In many cases, the problems can be traced back to something solvable, such as assigning a higher speed to the connection.

Under no circumstances should the customer agree to an expensive visit by a technician, the magazine warns. If the speed cannot be increased remotely, then the cause is probably low-quality cables or excessively long cable distances between the local exchange and the physical DSL connection. That's often the case in rural areas and cannot be fixed by a technician.

For city dwellers saddled with a slow connection, it may pay to switch to a different provider as many companies run their own, local exchanges. Prior to making the switch, ask your neighbours if they are using a different provider and what kinds of speeds they achieve. Rural residents won't be helped by this fix, since all providers use the identical local switches there. (dpa)