Being able to access fast internet is a "must have" if you're attending the Art Institute of Pittsburgh Online Division. Given that our campus is the "interwebs", a lot of your time will be spent either accessing multiple websites, streaming videos, and downloading/uploading files. Our school requires you to have access to "Internet Browser and Broadband Connection" although it doesn't mention a specific speed. Let's face it, with fast internet, life is just a little easier... a lot easier. Here's the question of the hour: do you know how fast your internet really is? If not, you'll want to test out your speed using "Speedtest.net".
As you can see above, internet speed is not created equal. Naturally, Verizon FIOS blows the competition out of the water (unfortunately, FIOS is not available everwhere). Your speed will also depend on which plan you purchase from your provider. Internet speed is measured in "Mbps: megabite per second"; this is the speed that it takes for files to travel to your computer, similar to how a car's speed is measured in miles per hour.
If you've noticed a slow internet speed, log onto Speedtest.net and check your "Ping", "Download Speed" and "Upload Speed". If you noticed that your Download and Upload Speeds are slower than what you're paying for, giver you provider a call an ask what could be causing the issue.
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"Speedtest.net by Ookla - The Global Broadband Speed Test." Speedtest.net by Ookla - The Global Broadband Speed Test. N.p., n.d. Web. 24 Mar. 2014.