Something on my computer is limiting my download speed

I have DSL with a download speed of 32MB/s and an upload speed of 8MB/s(according to my ISP), and I am using a router. My upload speed is always between 8MB/s and 9MB/s(which is above the max upload speed), ALWAYS. However, my download speed doesn't go over 25MB/s. And when my brother turns on the internet from his computer and takes up half the download/upload speeds (routers automatically split the speeds in two when two computers are using the internet), I always get a download speed between 17MB/s and 18MB/s, which as the upload earlier, is actually higher than what I'm supposed to get (which should be 32MB/s divided by 2 which is 16MB/s). So I'm positive that something on my computer is limiting the download speed, since the upload speed is even higher than it should be and the download speed is higher than it should be when halved, but the full download speed is accessible.
How do I fix this problem?

Thanks in advance.

re: Something on my computer is limiting my download speed

Hellllloooo, I'm still waiting...

re: Something on my computer is limiting my download speed

What program are you using to do your downloading? Is this FTP download, web download or some sort of file sharing download? Do you have any firewall installed? Do you have any anti virus installed? have you downloaded the latest drivers for you ethernet card? Try an internet speed test and see what you get. Unplug your router and connect your computer directly to the cable modem and see what speed you get.

re: Something on my computer is limiting my download speed

I already did all those, plug directly to modem, turn off firewalls and anti-virus, and use always the fastest and closest download speed testing servers available. All the same result.

re: Something on my computer is limiting my download speed

I would suggest you start by doing a speed test http://www.speakeasy.net/speedtest/

From the looks of it you have already tested software installed on your computer so you have eliminated that problem. The other action I would also take is either go to internet ready place (friends house, starbucks, etc..) and test your speed there with all your applications enabled. If your speed is still the same, I would suggest looking at the network card. If it changes than its your internet provider and you need to talk to them.

Good look