Answer to question 2 - I usually use Firefox and
sometimes using IE instead
does rectify the situation, but in that particular circumstance it didn't make any difference.
I agree that sometimes my broadband connection can seem slower than expected, but other sources such as Youtube seem to transfer adequately.
I miss being able to perform a 'break' (CP/M days) and being able to see exactly what is running at the time. Even Task Manager doesn't seem to reveal hidden applications (or maybe I'm not clever enough).
I have connected using an LAN connection, but this time I just 'forgot' (it didn't resolve the situation last time, but it didn't occur to me this time - the LAN cable is still in place and I'd only have had to plug it in . . .
).
What would be useful would be a meter on the internet connection - at least if it was being restricted I'd know and not waste time looking elsewhere. Speedtest just now - 200 ms ping, 6.8 Mbps download, 370 kbps upload.
Same BBC video that stuttered yesterday is running fine as I type . . .
Mind you I've rebooted since then, but rebooting yesterday had no effect.