8. Using the Tweaks Forum Tweaking FAQ | DSLReports.com, ISP Information

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8. Using the Tweaks Forum

What information should I post with my question?

We must have the answers to these 11 questions before we can help you. Simply put N/A for any that do not apply to you. There are no shortcuts to being helped, as we need this info.

1. A Tweaks test from this page. Simply post the test's URL. Please make yourself pingable.

2. The closest of 2 speed tests from the Speakeasy Test Sites page. Please note the URLs of both result pages for us.

3. A Line Quality test from here. Please copy and post the URL in the red box! This could take a while, so you might run this first. If it's too backed up, do it later, if requested.

4. What type of Internet connection you have (DSL, Cable, Wireless, or Satellite), who your ISP (Internet service provider) is and the make, model and type of your modem.

5. If DSL, do you use PPPoE connection software? (Do you have to connect to the Internet?)

6. If PPPoE, which one -- WinPoet, Enternet, RASPPPoE, WinXP Native, etc?

7. Which operating system you use -- Windows 98/98SE/ME/2K/XP, etc.

8. What your advertised speeds are (ask your ISP).

9. If your PC is on a network and/or using ICS (Internet Connection Sharing) or VPN.

10. If you use a NAT router (Linksys, Netgear, etc.) for sharing your connection, and if so, the brand and model of your router.

11. How far you are (if using DSL) from the CO (Central Office). Keep in mind that further than 10,000 feet can significantly degrade speeds. Click here to find your distance, or simply ask your ISP.

Satellite Users Note: The tests listed here will likely not return accurate results and will probably be a waste of time for most satellite broadband users. If you would like more information about tweaking your connection, consider posting in the Satellite Forum.

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by Pinan edited by redxii
last modified: 2007-05-20 19:46:37

How do I post the top 3 results?

To copy and paste results of a:

Tweaks test: Go to tweak test. Run the tweaks test, and click Results when it finishes successfully.

Next, fill in what type of service you have, your advertised speeds, operating system and type of protocol you use. Cable and ethernet is normal. Click Recommend. Copy the URL to the test, not the test itself! Post that as #1.

Speed test: Check Verbose, then click Start. When the test finishes, click Graph and copy the URL in your browser's address bar. Post that as #2.

Line quality test: Go to line test. Fill in your IP to join the queue. If you have a router, then make sure you are using the router's IP. When the test finishes, view it and copy and paste the URL in the red box to hide your IP address. Post it as #3.

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by redxii edited by JMGullett
last modified: 2007-02-26 13:44:18

Can I help answer questions?

Please do so only if you are sure of your advice. There are many variables in tweaking different connections, and this eludes most would-be helpers at first. In other words, what worked for you may indeed not work for someone else -- and may even make matters worse.

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by Pinan edited by JMGullett
last modified: 2007-02-26 13:45:17

Should I add my question to someone else's thread?

Please do not, as this makes it rather confusing for those who are helping. Start a new thread with your question(s). Also, please use only one thread for all of your questions regarding your "problem."

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by Pinan edited by JMGullett
last modified: 2007-02-26 13:46:24

Please keep all of your questions in 1 thread (place).

This is very important! We will ask you for information that we need in order to gain insight into any problem you may have. If you then start another thread, we will not have immediate access to that information. What will happen is helpers will ask you all the same questions again, wasting valuable time and forum space.

It is difficult at best to go searching for information that you posted yesterday (or whenever) in another thread. So much so, in fact, that we may not have the time (or desire) to do it. Therefore, you will not receive the help that you came for, as the Tweaks forum is very popular and there are many people for us to assist.

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by Pinan edited by JMGullett
last modified: 2007-02-26 13:50:56

How do I start my own thread (posting area)?

Simply click on the words "New Topic" near the upper right hand corner of your screen when viewing the main page of the forums.

Please start only one thread for all of your questions.

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by Pinan edited by JMGullett
last modified: 2007-02-26 13:55:56

Are Moderators/helpers paid?

No. The only compensation that anyone receives is the satisfaction of helping others. All of us started the same way: asking for help. We "work" here on a strictly volunteer basis.

So before you get down on one of the regular helpers, or RedXII1234 (Forum Host), for whatever reason, think about it! The advice/service we offer is free, personal and amongst the best you'll find, anywhere.

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by Pinan edited by JMGullett
last modified: 2007-02-26 13:57:20

How can I find the thread I posted in?

Simply click on your name/avatar. There you will have a list of your posts for at least the past 14 days.

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by Skipdawg edited by JMGullett
last modified: 2007-02-26 14:08:23

If you need help, read this!

Please click on the big red *here* at the top of the Tweaks Forum. It is there for you and is truly the only way that we can help you.

See this line:

Before you ask for help, click right *here*!

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by Pinan edited by JMGullett
last modified: 2007-02-26 14:09:28

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by Pinan edited by JMGullett
last modified: 2007-02-27 10:43:06

All FAQs » Tweaking FAQ » 8. Using the Tweaks Forum