Different Network protocols benefit from different Network settings in the Windows Registry.
For example, the Internet standard for MTU is 576, for Ethernet it`s 1500. The optimal TCP settings for Cable Modems and xDSL seem to be different than the default, set in Windows.
Windows 9x is basically optimized for Ethernet, which is a high speed low latency connection, however that isn`t the case on the Internet.

DFUeTweaker helps you find OS specific information on how to optimize the Settings for Cable Modems or xDSL, which assumes some proficiency in customizing Windows.