Annoyed by slow online meetings? Try these 7 fixes

Working from home has its benefits: Lunchtime is any time you want, a suit is optional, and you can skip the frustrating commute.

One downside to working from home, though, is online meetings. The endless video conferences fill up the calendar and can make the work day considerably busier. Add in slow computers and connections that can stretch even the briefest video conferences into overtime, and it's enough to make you want to put "out of office" on your calendar.

Here are seven ways to prevent annoyingly slow internet connections during video conferences:

Tip 1: Check to make sure you’re using the most current software

Life moves fast, but software updates move even faster. Web browser and operating system updates can shift icons to different parts of applications — and the last thing you want is to be frantically searching for an app right before you join a meeting online.

“Be familiar with the controls, especially if there has been a recent update,” Richard Roth, founder and CEO of technology solutions firm Progressive Tech, tells Yahoo Life.

“Things tend to move around in software, so always be prepared before the call.”

Another smart move: Install System Mechanic, which costs £3.90 per month.

Shop now: System Mechanic | try for 30 days free*, then £3.90 a month

*to avoid being charged the recurring subscription fee, cancel before your free trial ends

It can ramp up your computer by running a comprehensive scan and then removing unnecessary software and files to help speed up your device. The system tune-up helps streamline your computer, removing internet junk and identifying unnecessary services that slow it down by launching and running in the background.

Tip 2: Use the best Internet connection you can

According to LiveControl, there’s a definite hierarchy when it comes to desirable internet connections, especially for video conferencing: Wired connections are better than wireless (WiFi or mobile) ones, but WiFi connections are often better than mobile (3G/4G/LTE).

So it's a good idea to think about which available connections are your best bet before hopping on a video conference call. As often as possible, join online meetings from a location where you can use a speedy, dependable, wired internet connection; otherwise, you’re at risk of a slow connection.

Tip 3: Make sure you’re using the right device

Your smartphone may work well for impromptu calls with your family, but you don’t necessarily want to rely on it for important video conferences with work or school. For one thing, using a smartphone can make it harder to participate in group discussions, especially those that require many video feeds at once. In addition, you won't be able to use your phone during the meeting to troubleshoot any issues that might arise.

Tip 4: Mute your microphone when you're not speaking

When your microphone is on, video conferencing dedicates a portion of your internet connection to your audio stream, even if you aren't saying a word, according to LiveControl. So if you’re not participating in the online discussion, mute your mic. It will help video conferencing apps use your web connection more efficiently.

Tip 5: Stop your HD video, if you don't need it

While it may be tempting to enable high definition (HD) when you're doing a video conference, you don’t need it for the most part — especially if you want to maximise your computer's internet speed. That's because transmitting HD video requires more bandwidth than standard definition.

Better yet, turn off your webcam during video conferences, if you can, according to Cornell University's information technology service. Or at least stop your video and then turn it on only when you need to show yourself during the meeting. Disabling all video helps free up your bandwidth and use less data during an online meeting.

Tip 6: Close other un-needed applications on your computer

Video conferences require a chunk of memory and processing power from your device. Head over to the control panel and see what applications you can close, in particular ones you do not need during the session. Doing so will help video conferencing apps run better.

Cornell University advises that data-intensive programs that could steal bandwidth might include streaming video or music sites, or other websites with dynamic content. You can also double check to make sure you’re not in the middle of emptying a massive amount of files to your recycle bin. If your device seems slow, you can check your system usage by powering Activity Monitor on the Mac or Task Manager in Windows to detect which programs are data drains, or if there are any startup programs you can temporarily switch off.

Tip 7: Have a backup handy

Even the most dependable devices can occasionally let you down. To avoid glitches that can sideline audio and video meetings, try to have a tablet or even a smartphone nearby in case you need to quickly switch to another device. Android Central makes a great case for having a second device on hand, even if you've never had a device problem in the past.

Shop now: System Mechanic | try for 30 days free*, then £3.90 a month

*to avoid being charged the recurring subscription fee, cancel before your free trial ends

Watch: Watch: 5 easy ways to improve your WiFi