It is now easier than ever to make sure your internet service provider isn't ripping you off.
It is now easier than ever to make sure your internet service provider isn't ripping you off.
Ookla, the company behind Speedtest.net, launched new Speedtest desktop apps for Windows 10 and macOS Monday. Using the new apps, users can test internet speeds directly from their menu bars without having to open a browser. These lightweight apps have a speedometer logo in the menu bar that performs a complete speed test with one click and notifies you when it's done.
The company had previously given these desktop apps a soft release before officially launching final versions on Monday, an Ookla representative told Mashable.
Having dedicated speed test programs is extremely convenient for people who need to check speeds frequently, like IT teams. It's also helpful for just about anyone at home who wants to make sure they're getting what they paid for from their internet service providers.
Speedtest works by sending a sample file from the server to your computer to calculate the download speed, which measures how fast your connection can pull data from the server to you — your streaming or download speed, essentially.
It then sends the file back to the server to calculate the upload speed - which measures how fast your connection can send data from you to others, for video calling or file-sharing, say.
Speedtest is powered by Ookla, which is used by ISPs, governments and enterprises around the world. The desktop apps are additions to Speedtest's robust product suite, which also includes Speedtest.net and apps for iOS, Android, Apple TV and Google Chrome, with more platforms expected to join in 2017.