How to Test the Internet Speed in Qwest

Step 1

Connect your computer directly to your high-speed Internet modem, using an Ethernet cable or USB cord. This allows you to bypass routers, Wi-Fi devices and other devices that may slow down your Internet speed test results.

Step 2

Log your computer on to the Internet. All Internet speed tests require Internet access to work.

Step 3

Check to ensure that no one else is using the Internet account before you set up your Internet speed test. Anyone using the Internet in your home from another computer will slow down your Internet and skew the test speed results.

Step 4

Open your Windows Task Manager by hitting "Ctrl," "Alt" and "Delete" simultaneously on your keyboard and selecting Task Manager. Locate the "Processes" tab, situated on the Task Manager's toolbar. Click to obtain the list of running processes which affect your computer's speed.

Step 5

Read through the list of running programs and processes. End unnecessary ones by clicking to highlight the item, then hitting "End Process" in the Task Manager's lower right corner. Leave only those processes that the computer needs to work. Items such as audio and video programs, extra browsers, games, antivirus and spyware programs and messengers will slow down the computer, effectively slowing down your speed test.

Step 6

Close out your Task Manager. Click on the red "X," located in the upper right-hand corner of the Task Manager or highlight "taskmgr.exe" inside your Task Manager process list and click "End Process" to close the program. You can also end the Task Manager by right-clicking the icon, located on your taskbar at the bottom of your computer screen, and choosing "Close" in the box that appears.

Step 7

Open a browser window. The type of browser you use, such as Internet Explorer, Google Chrome and Firefox, is irrelevant to the test results.

Step 8

Choose a speed test website that is closest to your location to visit -- Qwest offers either Seattle or Minneapolis. The distance from which the computer must transmit and receive test information also affects test speed results.

Step 9

Type in the address of the Qwest speed test site you select -- either minneapolis.speedtest.qwest.net or seattle.speedtest.qwest.net. Hit the "Enter" key on your keyboard to navigate to the site.

Step 10

Click the green box labeled, "Begin Test," located in the middle of the page. Wait while the test is performed.

Step 11

Repeat the test at least three or four times during a 24-hour period to obtain more accurate results (i.e. the average speed you have). Consider running tests through other websites as well; many free Internet speed tests are available, but some are more accurate than others. However, a variety of websites at different times of the day should represent a good estimation of your Internet speed.