Never forget to check broadband speed as you may find you are paying for what you cannot use.

If you are paying for a top of the line broadband connection with all the bells and whistles but your computer is as old as your first Oasis c.d. single then you will probably find that you are not making the best use of your broadband package. Most old PCs are not able to keep up with the broadband revolution and it's worth investing in a hardware upgrade to make the most of the internet speeds you are paying for.

But what if, on the other hand, you have the most fandangled PC that money can buy, all your friends are jealous, your wallet is lighter but yet this finely tuned piece of engineering mastery, when you check your connection, is still pretty slow. Then, you want to look at these things:

Your browser settings

Ok now, we know it's easy to ignore all those updates your PC is always telling you that it needs but seriously, if you are still using Internet Explorer 6 then get with the updating straight away. Microsoft's latest version is Internet Explorer 7 and most web pages are optimised for it. Using an older version will slow you down.

Alternatively you could try changing to Opera or Mozilla Firefox. They are long-time geek favourites but both are quickly becoming common in the workplace and family PC's too.

How far from the exchange are you?

Your superfast connection will be impacted by how close to the exchange you are. The further you are the slower your speeds. A faster broadband package will give you better speeds but you will always be effected by your distance from the exchange. If this is the case you should talk to your ISP about ways to boost your connection. Don't worry, there are ways.

Your router

Make sure there are as few walls, cupboards, ceilings and large objects as possible between your PC and Router. Much as we love wifi, the more objects that block the signal the slower your connection will be. If you have no choice but to have the router in the basement when your PC is in the penthouse then buying a longer aerial will boost he signal by 30-50%. A standard aerial is 2dBi but you can buy ones up to 9dBi.

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Almost everybody has been on the customer's end of an automated phone system. Though the theory behind automated phone systems is that they are more efficient and professional, they rarely work out that way. The experience is usually frustrating and ends with little or no customer satisfaction. Dissatisfaction on the customer's behalf does not benefit the business that has invested in the automated phone system-which is why it is in the best interests of both the customer and the business if steps are taken to make automated phone systems user friendly.

A Friendlier Face Of Business

There are several steps that can be taken to make automated phone systems more conducive for customer use. First of all, the initial introductory message should be brief, limited to a few sentences. Most customers do not have the patience to listen to listen to a lengthy message spoken in an automated voice.

Regarding the options on automated phone systems, studies have shown that customer satisfaction is higher when there are a maximum of five options. Additionally, the system is typically considered friendlier to users if the options are given first, followed by the number. Customers also find it helpful if there is an option to repeat the list of options that has already been given to them.

One of the greatest sources of frustration surrounding automated phone systems involves customers trying to establish contact with an actual person. "Dead ends" that require the caller to hang up and call again only fuel this frustration, and not being given the option of reaching a real person at all is just cruel. The best automated phone systems should avoid routes that lead to dead ends and provide the option of talking to a live employee at some point during the transaction.

Perhaps one of the most annoying features of an automated phone system is not providing an immediate option for the customer to reach their party, or a live receptionist, to speak to. Although the option to select "0" at any time during a recording should be standard, equally as important is the ability of the caller to connect immediately to their contact. Click-to-Call buttons, sometimes referred to as "Ring-Me", are more commonly used now as an option for a caller to request an immediate callback. Certainly this callback option is superior to getting lost in... "press 1 for this" - "press 2 for that" - "press 3 for those".... "press 149 for all of the above". You get the picture.

A Better Way To Do Business

If businesses make their automated phone systems user-friendlier, the benefits to be reaped are endless for both the consumer and the business. In return for their satisfaction, customers will give the best of their business.

Owner of http://www.my-telework-tools.com, Barbara is an Organized, charismatic and energetic professional with a track record of streamlining office operations, quality work, and playing key roles in the company's management services. Known to be an articulate and diplomatic communicator, team player and builder, she establishes productive rapport with peers, management suppliers and clients.