Speed Testing

Hi,
Can someone tell me how I can check my actual download speed? I don't mean the maximum available speed, but the actual speed I am getting.
Do I need to be downloading something to actaully test the speed?
Downloading a music CD of about 130 Mb capacity takes well over 2 hours - can that be right?

I am currently with AOL and am going to change (possibly to O2) very soon as I am fed up with slow speed and performance. Not to mention the very poor customer service line.
I have done the online maximum speed available test and I have been told that my maximum speed is only Half a Meg, but my next door neighbour tells me he gets about 2.5 Meg from O2.

Appreciate any help or tips,
thanks.

Try http://www.broadband.co.uk - a very informative website which also has a speed tester.

[gannite6364]

Only just read your post as it was sometime ago you may have sorted it. But if not try SpeedConnect Internet Accelerator | CBS Software - Speed up your Internet connection!. the speed test seems good.

I work for a broadband company, so i know enough about it, Im not an expert but i know my stuff!

I personally use Speedtest.net - The Global Broadband Speed Test ... this website forces your line to download at the maximum speed it can... You should do this at around 4 different intervals

9am - early morning, businesses hot online and a few residential users who aren't in work

2:45pm - Parents have gone to pick the kids up, probably the time with the least amount of people online

6pm - Kids and parents have had their tea and will be hard on the online gaming / social networking

9pm - Kids have gone to bed, internet usage should be around the 9am mark but lighter...

the benefit of speedtest.net is that if you are downloading a file it will show you the result minus the download speed, so you can see exactly what speed you are receiving!

Hope this helps ><