Verizon Offers Tips for Supreme Internet Browsing

CONSUMER ADVISORY

• The software you use to surf the Internet can significantly impact your browsing speeds. Internet browsers like Microsoft Explorer, Google Chrome, Apple Safari and Mozilla Firefox are considered some of the fastest browsers available today.  Once you have a good idea of what you want from your Internet experience, research some of these browsers and gauge which ones might be best for your needs.

• Know the speed of your Internet connection.  Several Web sites - like SpeedTest.net, SpeakEasy.net and Verizon's own high speed internet speed site - offer free tests that measure your current upload and download speeds.

• Select Internet speeds that meet your browsing needs.  Verizon offers several speed options that meet the needs of a variety of users.  Verizon's digital subscriber line (DSL)-based High Speed Internet service offerings range from up to 1 megabit per second (Mbps)  to up to 7.1 Mbps, and its fiber-optic-based FiOS Internet service offerings range from up to 10 Mbps  to up to 50 Mbps, including a symmetrical up-to-20 Mbps/ 20 Mbps service.  Verizon can help you select the best speed based on your typical Internet usage.

• If you frequently load pictures or other large files to Web sites, like Flickr or Facebook, choosing an Internet service plan that offers an increased upload speed can significantly impact the amount of time it takes to load each image.

• Clear out your browser cache and cookies regularly.  These temporary files are stored over time while you surf the Internet. When not routinely cleared out, they can consume a good amount of memory space and slow down your browsing experience.

• When browsing, avoid opening more than eight tabs at any given time.  Opening too many tabs while surfing the Internet can significantly slow your loading speeds.

• Update programs called plug-ins, like Flash and Java, when new versions become available.  The new versions usually include improvements that can significantly reduce the time it takes your computer to load certain Web sites.

Verizon Communications Inc. (NYSE:VZ), headquartered in New York, is a leader in delivering broadband and other wireline and wireless communication innovations to mass market, business, government and wholesale customers.  Verizon Wireless operates America's most reliable wireless network, serving more than 80 million customers nationwide.  Verizon's Wireline operations include Verizon Business, which delivers innovative and seamless business solutions to customers around the world, and Verizon Telecom, which brings customers the benefits of converged communications, information and entertainment services over the nation's most advanced fiber-optic network.  A Dow 30 company, Verizon employs a diverse workforce of nearly 224,000 and last year generated consolidated operating revenues of more than $97 billion.  For more information, visit www.verizon.com.

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