Datasheet

Technique 1: Experiencing the Windows Experience Index
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tests, there are also zillions of Internet speed tests,
each of which has its adherents and detractors.
Personally, I use the DSLReports test, available free at
www.dslreports.com/speedtest (see Figure 1-9).
I always test by bouncing off the same location, and
the reports produced are surprisingly consistent.
If you ever wondered how much data your line can
handle, this is the place to check.
• Figure 1-9: DSLReports features independent, reliable
Internet line speed tests. Free.
The folks at DSLReports run extensive broadband
service comparisons, gripe lines, and well-informed
forums. Next time you catch yourself swearing at
your slow computer, run over to DSLReports and
see if the problem lies with your line.
Information and Tools dialog box. You can also
see your raw ratings for each piece of the com-
ponent scores. That information may prove help-
ful if you’re comparing machines, trying to figure
out why one’s slower than the other.
Now you know why it’s important to have
Vista update your scores, particularly if you’re
relying on WEI scores to buy a computer from
someone you don’t know. The raw values can
be jimmied, and the raw score file could be
compromised.
The Most Important
Benchmark Score
With all the emphasis on benchmarking in
Windows, I find it surprising that Microsoft
doesn’t even attempt to calculate a compo-
nent score for the most important component
of all: your Internet access speed.
As more and more of our working lives take place
online, your PC’s processing speed becomes less
and less relevant. (Kind of like Windows itself, eh?)
For most people, most of the time, a point or two dif-
ference in WEI scores doesn’t count as a blip on the
radar screen when compared to lightning fast, or
abysmally slow, download times.
Just as there are myriad arguments for running cer-
tain kinds of CPU speed tests or hard disk access
tests or pixel subshader blinder blender blaster
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