This hangtime is when your browser is asking your DNS (Domain Name Server) for the IP address (the real location of the website) that goes to the domain.
Namebench is a sweet tool that runs a test to see which DNS servers are best for your current Internet connection. I use Qwest DSL at home and their modem automatically assigns DNS to my computer. The test took between 5-10 minutes and the results were suprising. UltraDNS offered a 136% increase in speed of domain name lookups! Another interesting result is that local competitor CableOne's DNS came up as the closest DNS and was the recommended secondary DNS.
Once you get your results you can change your DNS in your System Preferences > Network on a Mac, or in Control Panel somewhere, on a PC. :-) Actually just find a nerdy friend to help you change your DNS.
Note: Record your first result... it is the most accurate test... and run the test where you use your computer the most.
You can get Namebench here: http://code.google.com/p/namebench/
Any other tips for a better browsing experience? Let people know in the comments!
My goal is to contribute to the Joomla! Community and to share insights that will be usefull to other website designers and my clients.
