Wireless Laptop Speed

[riptide]

I hope this is going to be the last question I have to ask on my new wireless laptop system. As previously mentioned I have gone wireless using a BT Voyager 2500V router. I have noticed that it does not maintain its speed level whilst on line. It starts off at 54.0 Mbps and within a short time drops to 24.0 Mbps. Sometimes it drops as low as 2.0 to 12.0 Mbps. It never seems to go back to 54. Any suggestions. Is the router faulty or not sufficient for this speed. The signal strength is showing excellent.

I would also mention that I am having problems with Norton in that it is slowing my laptop and I am getting an application memory error when signing off. I really need to reinstall it as suggested by symantec. I am loathe to do this whilst the speed on my broadband is so inconsistent.

Any help greatly appreciated.

[TEAK36]

Get rid of Norton and get the free editions of AVG and Zone Alarm. Norton is well known as a resource hogger. I used Norton for several years, and it was all ok until I bought Norton 2006.My Laptop immediately slowed down. I percevered for the whole of 2006, but did not renew my Norton subscription. Using AVG and Zone Alarm made an immediate difference to the speed of my Laptop, and I am really happy with their performance.

As for your wireless speed, I dont really know the answer. I had a similar problem about 6 months ago, and tried a new router, but it made no difference. In the end I went back to a wired connection.Recently I decided to try wireless again, and everything was fine this time, even though I am using the same router I tried 6 months ago.I have absolutely no idea why it is all ok now, and I am using the same Laptop and the same Broadband connection.

[HWKE]

It is highly likely that the problem with Norton is contributing to the loss of internet speed. You should reinstall Norton to see if that improves matters. Alternatively, do as Teak36 suggests and change to AVG and Zone Alarm.

[riptide]

Thanks for your help everyone, have taken off Norton and seems to be a lot better. Also, have downloaded free AVG.

Have also turned on my Windows Firewall, do you think this is enough or should I install Zone Alarm. If so, does anyone have the site info.

Many thanks, your help has been greatly appreciated.

[fo3nix]

Turn off windows firewall, and get zonealarm. Much safer.

As for Norton -- have you removed it with the removal tool? If not, then download and run this:
http://service1.symantec.com/SUPPORT/tsgeninfo .nsf/docid/2005033108162039