Software Description

The following is a description of Auslogics Internet Optimizer, as per the developer:

This tool will speed up your Internet connection by optimizing numerous settings like Max MTU and RWIN specifically for the type of Internet connection you use. Unlike other similar programs, Auslogics Internet Optimizer will first test your connection settings before applying any changes. Internet Optimizer is very easy to use and provides comprehensive information about each setting that should be modified. Experienced users can tweak all settings manually.

dotTech Advice

I always approach “Internet boosters” or “Internet optimizers” with caution simply because most do more harm than good. Indeed it says a lot when the standard of “good” for a genre of software is not “how much did it improve my computer” but rather “did it harm my computer or not”. I approached Auslogics Internet Optimizer with this same skeptical point-of-view. The outcome? I don’t have a faster Internet connection after running Auslogics Internet Optimizer, if that is what you are wondering.

Well, it is unfair to say I don’t have a faster Internet connection. Rather, I should say I can’t notice any significant difference in my connection speed. The difference between the two statements is the former statement says there is absolute no change pre and post Auslogics optimization; the latter statement says there may be a difference pre and post Auslogics optimization but the difference isn’t significant enough for me to notice. You see your Internet connection speed is largely determined by external factors, factors you cannot control; factors such as your Internet Service Provider, the websites you are visiting, the type of Internet you have, the neighborhood load on the network, etc. For the most part your computer doesn’t play a large role in regards to Internet speed unless you have a messed Windows installation, screwed up drivers, a program that is interfering with your Internet connection, etc. This is especially true in Windows 7 – and to an extent, in Vista – which has fairly well optimized settings for the Internet. So, for Auslogics Internet Optimizer to truly boost Internet speed it would have to tackle the external factors; and we all know it cannot do that.

Now that doesn’t mean Auslogics Internet Optimizer is crap. It isn’t crap, per se. It is very easy to use, with Auto Optimization for novices and Manual Optimization for experts; it has a Rescue Center from where users can undo any changes Auslogics Internet Optimizer makes; and most (all?) the tweaks Auslogics Internet Optimizer applies are documented networking tweaks, so it isn’t like Auslogics pulled the tweaks out of its @$$. For an Internet optimizer/booster Auslogics Internet Optimizer is actually pretty good. The problem, however, is Internet optimizers/boosters generally don’t really have much of an affect on Internet connection speeds; and Auslogics Internet Optimizer is no exception.

So, that then brings us to the question: Should you bother to download and use Auslogics Internet Optimizer? My answer is: Well, it (probably) won’t hurt but don’t expect it to work miracles. Grab it if you want it.

[A few words to the wise: Using SpeedTest.net for comparative benchmarks is not a good idea because SpeedTest.net doesn’t provide consistent results. If you run SpeedTest.net tests multiple times you will notice a large variance in download speeds between each test. This is simply the nature of the beast with how SpeedTest.net tests are setup — your download speed depends the current load on your ISP’s network and the current load on the server you are running the test with. And these loads literally change from second to second, which is why test results vary so greatly. SpeedTest.net tests should only be used for a general indicator of Internet speed — not accurate comparative benchmarks. A variance of 2-5 Mbps between SpeedTest.net tests is no big deal. Consistent variances in the range of 10 Mbps are significant but even then you need to run the tests multiple times to ensure you didn’t just get a good/bad connection for the one test.]

Freebie Details

Auslogics Internet Optimizer is the standalone version of the Internet Optimizer module in Auslogics BoostSpeed, a $49.95 program. Auslogics Internet Optimizer actually isn’t sold by Auslogics so in a way one could argue this isn’t a freebie. However, the program functionality is part of a shareware program which is why I marked this as a freebie. (Oh and also because I knew more people would read an article for the “freebie” Auslogics Internet Optimizer than the “freeware” Auslogics Internet Optimizer. I know, I’m a bad person.)

Auslogics Internet Optimizer is being given away by DownloadCrew. The giveaway has been live for a long time so my guess is it is a permanent giveaway and not time limited, meaning you should be able to install/reinstall whenever you want. Do take note, however, Auslogics Internet Optimizer is “free for personal use” only.

To get Auslogics Internet Optimizer for free, do the following:

Version being given away for free: v2.0.6.55

Free updates: Unknown

Free technical support: Unknown

Supported OS: Windows XP/Vista/Win7

Download size: 5.9 MB

• Download and install Auslogics Internet Optimizer. Take note Auslogics Internet Optimizer comes bundled with Auslogics Toolbar powered by Ask.com. If you don’t want it (you probably don’t want it), be sure to opt-out of it during installation of Auslogics Internet Optimizer:

• Once you have installed Auslogics Internet Optimizer, you are good to go — there is no registration required.
• Enjoy!

If you have trouble getting Auslogics Internet Optimizer for free, post below and other dotTechies or I will try to help.

[via Ghacks]