internet really slow...

Search for DNSChanger and how to remove it.

Or search for 'slow internet'.

same issue since 10.5.5 .... I just cleared my DNS and it seems to work better (for the moment)

Since my internet has been running very slow lately, would rebuilding the desktop be helpful? If so, is there a way to do this on a MacBook Pro? I remember doing it on an iBook by holding down option & apple key when restarting the computer, but how on a MacBook Pro. I have already tried taking the battery out with the computer off and holding the power button down for 15 seconds.....
Any suggestions?

Thanks,
Bill Phipps

Rebuilding the Desktop was a Classic thing. I've never heard of it in Mac OS X. What you attempted was resetting the SMC.
If you've got lots of stuff on your desktop, then get it off of there. It takes way more resources to display items on the desktop vs in a folder. However, I don't know if that will help.

There are DNS issues with Leopard wrt routers and DNS servers. If either has outdated code, then your connection will slow down. OpenDNS's servers work fine.
There is also a Trojan horse (DNSChanger) floating around that will slow down your internet as it hijacks your DNS addresses. You can get it by trying to install a video codec to view ****.

Those are the only two issues I've read about that cause a slowdown in internet access.

Ok, i just figured out that it is my airport express router. I have had it for about 2 years. When I use public wifi locations the internet runs fast but at home using my airport express, it is really slow. So does that mean it isn't the "DNS" but router? The other desktops in my house (that are connected directly via ethernet) are running smoothly. Should I get a new one, or if we are under applecare/ProCare, can it be replaced?

Thanks,
Bill Phipps

When you say "the other desktops (that are connected directly via ethernet)," does that mean you have an additional router?
If so, how is the Airport Express configured? In bridge mode or is it distributing a set of IP addresses?

Go to openDNS.com. It will guide you on how to fix your DNS and really speed up your internet. It's a life saver. Also download the programs yasu and mac helpmate from the internet. They are free and will clean up your disk. My internet on comcast used to be really really slow. These solutions helped very significantly.

Yes, I have an additional router plugged into one of the cables just for my laptop. I believe my Airport Express is using one IP address. What does bridge mode vs a set of IPs mean?

excuse my ignorance, but what is openDNS? it sounds great if it will speed up the internet but i would like to know a bit about it before I use it...

Thanks

Tom

If you visit OpenDNS.com, they describe it better than I can, but to summarize:

DNS is the network service that converts named addresses like "apple.com" to IP addresses like 17.149.160.49.

Many ISPs have not kept up their DNS servers or have not upgraded or otherwise maintained them well because, quite frankly, there's no money whatsoever in it. Your ISP makes exactly $0 more if their DNS server is faster than it used to be or if they update to the latest DNS server software.

OpenDNS fills a niche for fast, reliable DNS service and they make their money by serving up a page of ads whenever you enter a name that doesn't exist, like "floogleboy.com."

(They offer commercial services as well, but the ads are what pays for their free service.)

I see. So does that mean it is only surfing the web that is faster or downloading things too?

Both. It's been an amazing change. I f you download via bittorrents (e.g. Azureus), it will change your DNS from time to time. Anytime you experience the slowdown, just type in the DNS that openDNS.com give you. You will be back to light speed. Also download Yasu (free from the net) and Mac helpmate to clean up your system.

How do I find out my "Airport Password" for Airport Utility? I know my wireless password to use the web through my Airport Express, but not my Airport Password.

tmcguck wrote:
I see. So does that mean it is only surfing the web that is faster or downloading things too?

Anything that connects to another system by name - web surfing, downloading, etc.