>> Well, it's a 3Megabyte line with only 256K upload speed, and about
>> 56K download speed.. you take that 56K and split it up over a bunch
>> of users picking up files, and my web and ftp server, and it really
>> really stinks :(  I've complained to tds.net several times (for
>> what we're paying for this line, it's PATHETIC!!) and they say,
>> "nope, everything is working FINE".. Lol.  It's so bad some days I
>> have to take down the web server for awhile :(

> sounds like you need to drop by dslreports, run some tests and point 
> your provider to those results if they really do back your standing 
> that the line is slow... not only point them to those results but 
> that even possibly beat them with them if you have to... printers 
> that and personal visits can do wonders ;) i would definitely have 
> one of their guys come by and accurately test the line...

 JK> They always point me to THEIR testing site.. .. 

screw their testing site! it is "local" to you... best to use
several of those from dslreports... they are located on both ends of the
country and several other places around the world ;)

 JK> but you're right, if I can show them something on paper it might 
 JK> make a difference :)

it might... and don't forget to have their guy actually test stuff with one
of your machines and not just the one he brings with him O:)

> remember, try the tests with one machine directly on the net and again 
> with your normal network setup... why? it may be possibly that 
> something is wrong with a router in your location... wrong setup, not 
> beefy enough for the traffic, etc...

 JK> Hmm.. never thought about our router.. who knows.. thanks for the
 JK> pointers.. :) 

dslreports has everything testing wise as well as support wise that you'll
ever need for broadband support... set up a user account and have at it!
i've used it for many years while working on friend's and client's machines
and connections... they can even tell you how to switch some units from
"active" to "passthru" where the connection stuff is
actually done by your machine/firewall instead of the "modem"
doing it all ;)

)\/(ark