how to display internet connect speed

I would like to track the speed of my connection while connected to the internet. I have a problem with downloading streaming audio that is part of an education site. My machine is a PII 450mhz with a 56k v90 modem and I'm on dialup to the isp (aol). Here in the mountains I suspect that part of the POTS is through 3-strand barbed wire which could be part of my problem. Until I can monitor my up/download speeds and find out if that is my only problem, I'm stuck. My highspeed alternative would beto install a satellite up/downlink system and eat more pinto beans in order to free-up the funds for the service. I've seen machines which displayed the connection speeds in the notification area of the task bar on the windows desktop but haven't found out how that is accomplished. Thanks in advance to any who is willing to lead me out of the dark.