Computer geeks needed

I've got a 7-month-old HP laptop (Vista) registering a Download speed of 2.53 Mb/s and an Upload of 0.42 Mb/s. Is that slow? I can't play Youtube or Hulu videos all the way through (they always stop). I'm connecting wirelessly to the modem in the other room, but the base computer there isn't testing any higher and can no longer play videos all the way through either. I've disabled all but two of the startup programs and deleted a bunch of others programs I just don't use. I also called up Norton to see if my internet security settings might be causing the trouble. They aren't. Basically, I just need to know if it's the connection speed that's probably to blame or not. There has been some massive nearby construction fairly recently, so... I called AT&T, and they said my speed should be enough. I don't really trust them, though, and was thinking I should maybe switch to Sunflower cable. I know very little about computers, as you can probably tell, so...please help.

Thanks for any insights you might give.

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Permalink Reply by Ken on July 7, 2009 at 7:26pm: Its AT&Ts fault those speeds are below average at this point in time, do you know the speeds they advertise? If not look it up and if they are considerably higher demand them to fix the problem but if they are around advertised speeds I would suggest getting in upgrade in service or dumping AT&T.; ▶ Reply to This

Permalink Reply by Jason M. Vaughn on July 7, 2009 at 7:42pm: Thanks. I thought the speeds were way low, and my computer is too new and not at all bogged down by junk, soI didn't imagine it could be the problem. I'll call AT&T again.; ▶ Reply to This

Permalink Reply by Cookenstein on July 7, 2009 at 7:31pm: In this day and age, it is certainly not fast speeds for broadband. You did mention a keyword in your comments that always set off alarm bells for me. If you are using Nortons internet security suite 2000whatever, I would suggest you try uninstalling this completely, do a reboot and then check your connection. I would be hard pressed to believe that Symantec would ever admit to affecting your broadband speed, but Norton's internet security histirically is known for mucking up Windows, and all things associated. Just my 2 cents. If, i am wrong, you can always re install that bohemoth. :); ▶ Reply to This

Permalink Reply by Cookenstein on July 7, 2009 at 7:33pm: I should have paid closer attention to your points, and while I still do not rule out my above statement, I guess my question is, are you using an At&t wireless card ? If so, it is possible you might be getting static from At&t as Ken stated.; ▶ Reply to This

Permalink Reply by Jason M. Vaughn on July 7, 2009 at 7:48pm: I actually did a complete uninstall on that Norton, and I still had the problem. Another reason I figured it had something to do with AT&T is that, aside from my laptop, the base PC is also affected. Thanks for the thoughts, and for backing up the fact that the speeds are not fast. You guys are quick in here!; ▶ Reply to This

Permalink Reply by Ken on July 7, 2009 at 8:05pm: Thanks we have geeks from all around the world so questions usually get responses fast. But I am curious to know what speed you supposed to be getting. I would look it up myself but I dont know where you live lol.; ▶ Reply to This

Permalink Reply by Jason M. Vaughn on July 7, 2009 at 8:17pm: Is contacting AT&T the only way for me to figure that out?; ▶ Reply to This

Permalink Reply by Kildar on July 7, 2009 at 8:22pm: They will be able to tell you your speed and then I would go to speedtest.net with them on the phone and tell them what you are getting. After that make them roll a tech. You may have line noise or a modem that is fixin' to crap out.

I work for a cable company and I fix issues like this all the time!!!; ▶ Reply to This

Permalink Reply by Jason M. Vaughn on July 7, 2009 at 8:24pm: Cool. Thanks. Will do.; ▶ Reply to This

Permalink Reply by Kildar on July 7, 2009 at 8:25pm: You are welcome sir!!!

Let us know what happens.; ▶ Reply to This

Permalink Reply by caleb lemoine on July 7, 2009 at 8:26pm: if u download this program called teamviewer 4.i can remote control your computer and take a look at it for u wirelessly.if you'd like.i can try to speed it up for u.; ▶ Reply to This