Thanks, all, for taking the time out to help.
I'll try and list the specs, but I'm not too technical, so bear with me
I have a 2.66 core duo processor
8 mb ram
windows 7 pro 64 bit
sony vaio, is the make
As far as programs running at start, i keep it at a minimum. avast, bluetooth, my printer, adobe, and some other commands that I have no idea what they are (as per C Cleaner).
As an update to this problem, I tested other locations at speedtest.net, and it's either 10mbs or 30 mbs, but I've achieved 30 mbs with avast running. I suppose maybe Avast is not always a problem, but sometimes I do get internet slowdown when it's running. When I have it disabled, I'm always at 30 mbs. Any ideas?