Stupid computer question

[zap]

We all know I am not computer literate, so I got a call from my internet provider telling me that I am using to much bandwidth, I am signed up for 1 gigabit, and my computer is using 7 a month. Is 1 alot? is 7 a lOT?

I don't know what the hell is going on, I check Yahoo email, I check kitco, msn homepage and here.

How could I be using 7 ?

Any really smart genius types out there?

Thanks

[Dogman]

We all know I am not computer literate, so I got a call from my internet provider telling me that I am using to much bandwidth, I am signed up for 1 gigabit, and my computer is using 7 a month. Is 1 alot? is 7 a lOT?

I don't know what the hell is going on, I check Yahoo email, I check kitco, msn homepage and here.

How could I be using 7 ?

Any really smart genius types out there?

Thanks

Not sure of the smart, but watching a bunch of you tubes, and videos of any type eat bandwidth like candy. Maybe?

[Celtic Rogue]

7 gigs seam a lot for what you have listed. do you stream music or videos? That can add up quick. What about some malware or hacker using your bandwidth unnoticed?

[Dogman]

7 gigs seam a lot for what you have listed. do you stream music or videos? That can add up quick. What about some malware or hacker using your bandwidth unnoticed? Yea I was watching the eagles and owl nests, and dam near used 50 gigs in one month doing it.

[Book]

If you watch very few videos someone may be stealing your signal somehow.

If you watch few videos.

[Cebu_4_2]

1 gig is nothing... what company limits you to 1 gig? Just the commercial advertisements on pages will add up to a lot.

[zap]

I rarely watch u-tube maybe 1 a week if that, on the msn main page i might watch a video, I don't know where to find malware or hackers?

[Dogman]

I rarely watch u-tube maybe 1 a week if that, on the msn main page i might watch a video, I don't know where to find malware or hackers? Playing the u-tube links here on this forum music videos and the sort. If you play all you see here that is your answer,

[zap]

I don't Dogman, and those bastards want to charge me $ 445.00 a month now instead of 179.00.

[Dogman]

I don't Dogman, and those bastards want to charge me $ 445.00 a month now instead of 179.00. Dish or direct?

[Joe King]

What kind of connection are you on? Do you have a wireless router? If so, is it secured? How close are your neighbors? Checked your PC for malware, trojans, or any other bad stuff?

Something other than "you" is eating your band width if they're saying you used $400+ worth of it.

[Dogman]

What kind of connection are you on? Do you have a wireless router? If so, is it secured? How close are your neighbors? Checked your PC for malware, trojans, or any other bad stuff? She is using satellite.

[zap]

Neither It separate satellite (Tachyon)

[Dogman]

Neither It separate satellite (Tachyon) You may need to have your comp scanned, for malware. Also did a quick look and for that kind of money , look into Hughes or others. Sounds like they are taking you too the cleaners. Others can help you for what you may download to run to check your computer for malware.


Edit: you get your tv from it also?

[zap]

What kind of connection are you on? Do you have a wireless router? If so, is it secured? How close are your neighbors? Checked your PC for malware, trojans, or any other bad stuff?

Something other than "you" is eating your band width if they're saying you used $400+ worth of it.


My nearest nieghbor is 10 miles away,I have a linskys router ( I don't know if it is secured) I have webroot and avast antivirus on here.

[osoab]

Do you get cell service in the boonies?

[Dogman]

My nearest nieghbor is 10 miles away,I have a linskys router ( I don't know if it is secured) I have webroot and avast antivirus on here.


Where you live it is not your wireless, your link sys is only good for a few hundred feet.

[zap]

yes I do Osoab. :)

[zap]

I just talked to them again, I am going to have a tech guy look at my computer remotely tomorrow, and I am going to check into Huges net , thanks dogman and all others !

[ximmy]

I used to have verizon unlimited wireless with a card for the laptop for $90.00 @month

[Dogman]

I just talked to them again, I am going to have a tech guy look at my computer remotely tomorrow, and I am going to check into Huges net , thanks dogman and all others ! Yes, another thing mentioned if your wireless is good, and you do not need to go outside to talk (*) a wireless card would work, but that valley you live in will block you,(you already know that) >:D

Huges rates seem better than what you have, Tachyon is taking you to the cleaners. even at their basic rates.

[Joe King]

She is using satellite.


Sounds like either someone is somehow connecting to her router or bouncing spam. With the right equipment Wi-Fi can be picked up a long ways away.

[osoab]

yes I do Osoab. :)


I used to have verizon unlimited wireless with a card for the laptop for $90.00 @month

That is why zap. I think if you can get air card service, you would get a better deal. It's been a while since I looked at satellite service, but that shit was pricey 5 years ago. Going by your numbers, the prices haven't gone down much.

[nunaem]

http://download.cnet.com/Bandwidth-Monitor-Pro/3000-2085_4-10217766.html

[MNeagle]

I just talked to them again, I am going to have a tech guy look at my computer remotely tomorrow, and I am going to check into Huges net , thanks dogman and all others !

Ask for quotes too, that way you can bargain with your existing co. if their price is better. Best of luck zap!!

[Dogman]

http://download.cnet.com/Bandwidth-Monitor-Pro/3000-2085_4-10217766.html


Zap if you knew where to look your computer can tell you how much bandwidth you are using. But not easy for the ones that do not know how. nunaem's link is to a program that you can download and it will show you automatically what you are using. You may want to try it. It should at least give you an ideal of what is going on.

[zap]

Sounds like either someone is somehow connecting to her router or bouncing spam. With the right equipment Wi-Fi can be picked up a long ways away.


Once when I wasn't even home tachyon said my computer was in use, Bouncing spam, I think that could be it... But I have no idea what to do about it, I called Huges net, better pricing,The phone only works by the window or I have to go outside, and I don't know if huges net is as fast as this one , but I am sure not going to pay 445 a month for internet service, I am going to do a speedtest somewhere lol Thankyou guys and girls I appreciate the input.

[Book]

I don't Dogman, and those bastards want to charge me $ 445.00 a month now instead of 179.00.



WOW. Time to pause and totally re-shop for an internet connection. Gotta be better deals than that available.

:o start from square one and investigate all provider options again

[Book]

I am going to do a speedtest somewhere



http://www.speedtest.net/

[nunaem]

I recommend using Firefox browser along with NoScript and Adblock Plus add-ons. That should reduce your bandwidth during web browsing. NoScript is a little bit of a hassle to use, but it's still a great add-on.

[Santa]

Bandwidth is the new drug and we are the junkies.

I use Wildblue satellite. 17 gigs bandwidth max at $80 a month. I need to be mindful of video usage. No radio streaming. Only an occasional movie.

[zap]

Ok I did a speed test no freakin idea what it means 764 kbps download 125 upload , Huges net wants to give me 1.5 something , I think that is slow? I really really hate computers

From nunaem; I recommend using Firefox browser along with NoScript and Adblock Plus add-ons. That should reduce your bandwidth during web browsing. NoScript is a little bit of a hassle to use, but it's still a great add-on.

Ok nunaem, all that you wrote there is greek to me I think my browser is chrome?

[vacuum]

zap, if you've got cell service I'd recommend checking into the cost of getting a network connection through them. It should be cheaper and give you more bandwidth per month.

Also, check here to see if there is a wireless internet service provider in your area: http://www.wispdirectory.com/

They will probably be the best deal if available.

[Dogman]

I tried the one from c-net, would not work for me. But this one does...http://www.softperfect.com/products/networx/

[Book]

Ok I did a speed test no freakin idea what it means 764 kbps download 125 upload , Huges net wants to give me 1.5 something , I think that is slow?



764kbps = .764

1.5 is twice as fast as your current .764

I get 5.0 speed for $43 from the local cable company. Anything over 3.0 is ideal for streaming these free movies (http://www.moviesdatacenter.com/)...but I doubt satellite offers this.

[gunDriller]

I don't Dogman, and those bastards want to charge me $ 445.00 a month now instead of 179.00.

that's a total rip.

do they have your Social Security # ?

i mean, if you don't pay the bill, will they hurt your credit ?

they painted you into a corner when you signed the contract, but they arguably withheld relevant information (like if you surf the web a normal amount - or watch a surf contest, for example, you will have a HUMONGOUS bill.)

my guess is, they promised a much smaller bill when they were trying to make the sale.

[zap]

We didn't sign any contract, way back when satellite wasn't popular this Co was the only one around which was feasible for us.

I don't really care about credit I don't want any and don't need it, and I will pay him the 179 a month for Jan to date, I usually pay it all at the end of the year, I hate to change and have somebody come put a new satellite in ! But what can I do?

I am looking at Huges net and wildblue

Thanks BOOK ;)

[Dogman]

We didn't sign any contract, way back when satellite wasn't popular this Co was the only one around which was feasible for us.

I don't really care about credit I don't want any and don't need it, and I will pay him the 179 a month for Jan to date, I usually pay it all at the end of the year, I hate to change and have somebody come put a new satellite in ! But what can I do?

I am looking at Huges net and wildblue

Thanks BOOK ;) What you can do is get out from under their thumb. Understand fully about the way it was in the early times, but woman you have been paying out of the nose for your service. Hughes is directv, I know their internet uses a different dish and setup, but if you are using their tv service, maybe you could cut a deal and bundle both for a cheaper price? Would not hurt to ask.

[Book]

That is why zap. I think if you can get air card service, you would get a better deal. It's been a while since I looked at satellite service, but that shit was pricey 5 years ago. Going by your numbers, the prices haven't gone down much.



I agree. Faster speeds for way less money if available in the area. Maybe ask the neighbors what the have...

[zap]

Yep you are right Dogman, Just a big pain in the ass, especially out here, for christ sakes I will get some numb-nut to come install it and then they won't even be able to find the place and I'll have to meet em down at the freeway then make sure they don't f$%ck nothing up, and no I have dish maybe I should change to direct tv, No Neighbors Book.......not for miles around.

Oh I just hate to change stuff, but I hate to pay more too !!!!

[ximmy]

don't pay it zap... I'd use a telephone line and slow dial up before paying that extortion

[zap]

Ximmy There are no phone lines or power lines around here for miles !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I am in the middle of bumble f@%k Egypt.

[Dogman]

Yep you are right Dogman, Just a big pain in the ass, especially out here, for christ sakes I will get some numb-nut to come install it and then they won't even be able to find the place and I'll have to meet em down at the freeway then make sure they don't f$%ck nothing up, and no I have dish maybe I should change to direct tv, No Neighbors Book.......not for miles around.

Oh I just hate to change stuff, but I hate to pay more too !!!!

We all do not like change, it is in our nature! We like our comfortable routines. So see what kind of deal they will make you. And not the 90 days or 6 months specials. Also I think directv has more options? Have had both in the past, dtv is ok for what it is.

It amazes me that you get the cell service you have. There must be a tower on one of the hills near you. And in the valley you live with all of those (what several hundred feet ?) hills that surround you. The cell service must bounce off something to get to you. It sure cannot be line of sight. ;D

Over all I have looked at your provider, they are more of a commercial than consumer provider.

Hell yea, put up with the bullshit and hassle and then save some money or spend it on other things. And stop paying out of the ass for what you are using now. >:D

[ximmy]

Ximmy There are no phone lines or power lines around here for miles !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I am in the middle of bumble f@%k Egypt.

OMG... Pluck me...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sY1ZdsSLnOo

[zap]

LOL Dogman, yep there is a cell tower up on top of the grade ;)

and yes they were the only ones around when we first installed it, and it cost a pretty penny back then.

[MNeagle]

"You better shop around"

[Dogman]

"You better shop around" Yep and another question too ask is How much are the normal month to month bills, after the special runs out. And also do the homework on complaints from dissatisfied customizers. Directv has a very good track record. Others may know about other providers.

[Joe King]

"You better shop around"Try to get yourself a bargain, girl
Don't be sold on the very first one
Good web connections come a dime a dozen
Try to find you one who gives the high-speed lovin'

[Joe King]

Before you take one and say I do, now
Make sure it works good for you, now
Make sure that its speed is true, now
I hate to see you feeling slow and blue, now
MNeagle told you,
You better shop around, aah-ha-ha
You better shop around

[zap]

So I have looked at wildblue and they are currently not installing in my area, so not much of a choice looks like it will be Hughes net, ok computer guys and girls this is the package I think I will pick............If they will install in my area.

$109.00 a month, max downstream 2 Mbps/ max upstream 300 Kbps daily download 400MB is that alot? Fast?

My brain hurts I am going to bed ! Thanks all you GSUS'ers !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! ;)

[Book]

$109.00 a month, max downstream 2 Mbps/ max upstream 300 Kbps daily download 400MB is that alot? Fast?



More than twice as fast as your current download speed. We need to seriously question and ponder that 400MB daily download limit.

If you have a nearby Cell Tower within sight whoever operates it maybe offers Wireless Internet which would be much faster and cheaper than satellite. Find out who operates that nearby Cell Tower and ask them about internet service!

[Dogman]

More than twice as fast as your current download speed. We need to seriously question and ponder that 400MB daily download limit.

If you have a nearby Cell Tower within sight whoever operates it maybe offers Wireless Internet which would be much faster and cheaper than satellite. Find out who operates that nearby Cell Tower and ask them about internet service! Her major problem is she is on the reception edge, she lives in a cell phone reception black hole. She needs to be by a window or outside to use her phone. Unless air cards have better antennas. Or she buys a cell phone repeater that would work with a aircard and install the antenna in a good location outside. And that may be the answer.

[Joe King]

It's about 12GB a month, I believe

Edited to add: Whoever is bouncing spam will be very pleased with the upgrade. lol

[Book]

LOL Dogman, yep there is a cell tower up on top of the grade



Maybe Wireless Internet too on that same tower...

[zap]

Book we tried wireless and it doesn't work good for us here, so I am hoping to get hughesnet, there is more then one carrier on the tower but Verizon is the main one, I am going to let this guy look at my computer remotely this am and maybe bypass the router, we used it for voip years ago.

Joe King, If I don't have a router can somebody still steal my signal?

Anyhow thanks to all of you for all the info I appreciate it !

Oh I also ran malwarebytes and found nothing

MAYBE i am just a big fat bandwidth hog !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!;)

[keehah]

Good luck zap.

I've got some issues myself right now, waiting for a call from the cable company.

Two cable internet accounts to my building from the same company. Mine was down 11/2 hours last night and again this morning. The other line is working just fine.
(my problem's fixed after a few minutes on the phone I got a new connection; 'we did some work last night and apparently your's could not recconect'.)

[Joe King]

If your PC is pluged directly to your modem and you're using a public IP# and have no real firewall, then probably yes.

Or maybe you are a bandwidth hog. Did you ever use that program to check your bandwidth usage someone had posted in this thread?

If it didn't find anything, what about the other one? Again, make sure it gets updated.

[solid]

Zap, on the boat here I use my smart phone for internet. Either 3g or 4g, if available. My cell and internet bill is around $110 a month, for unlimited data and voice calls. It's not quick, but I've used it remotely before. You have to let video buffer before viewing most times. For what I do, it's simple, easy, and inexpensive. If you are in 3g range it may be a good alternative.

[zap]

I am so computer illiterate Solid, I don't think a cell phone connection would work for me, this computer is also used for the business mostly for sending and receiving faxes (EFAX) then you always got the paper pushers sending me emails.

[Dogman]

Had a thought about cell service vs satellite. If for what ever reasons the cell towers go down (power) you would lose all outside contact. Seeing you are on independent power, using satellite you still have outside contact, even if the local cell system goes down.

Just a thought.

[zap]

I am going with Hughes net got it set up for Wed., the remote computer guy didn't find anything wrong on my computer, I think I am a bandwidth hog ! If I refresh the pages all the time does that use bandwidth?

Just call me Hogger !!! :)

$ 199 install with equip, and 109 a month.

[ximmy]

I am going with Hughes net got it set up for Wed., the remote computer guy didn't find anything wrong on my computer, I think I am a bandwidth hog ! If I refresh the pages all the time does that use bandwidth?

Just call me Hogger !!! :)

$ 199 install with equip, and 109 a month.

sweet!! (The message you have entered is too short. Please lengthen your message to at least 10 characters.)

[MNeagle]

ximmy, everytime I now read your posts I think it's Joe King. I have to look at your NAME to realize it's not you.

DMac's is a close 2nd.

[Dogman]

Yes it does, because you are reloading the page. Just as if you serf the net and follow a bunch of links. Now how much bandwidth, that is a hard one to answer. Think it is a case by case answer.

[ximmy]

538
ximmy, everytime I now read your posts I think it's Joe King. I have to look at your NAME to realize it's not you.

DMac's is a close 2nd.

Yeah, I can't hardly stand it myself.. gonna change it back.. ;D :p

[Dogman]

sweet!! (The message you have entered is too short. Please lengthen your message to at least 10 characters.)

Woman please change your avatar! Way creepy.

[zap]

ximmy, everytime I now read your posts I think it's Joe King. I have to look at your NAME to realize it's not you.

DMac's is a close 2nd.

Ya ximmy can't you get a better avatar !! ;)

[zap]

Ok got the new system hooked up hooked up whoo hoo ! and I got a whiner installer, he really wanted to make holes in my house, nope, nope heck no , he ended up putting it on the pole like I wanted.;)

So now I can really hogg up the bandwith !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[Libertytree]

It's good to see ya got your net problems lined out Zap, happy surfing :)

I've turned into vagrant surfer since I've been doing the gypsy gig, thankfully wifi exists and this machine is capable, it's a bitch trying to find a place to plug into a hard line.

[Canadian-guerilla]

i told Bell India to shove it last november
since then i've been using library computers

just got the Rogers wireless Rocket today

http://www.bestbuy.ca/multimedia/Products/300x300/101/10147/10147661.jpg

unlimited usage for the first 2 months and a flex plan after that
for these first 2 months, i'll be downloading like a motherfucker

[still afloat]

As always I'm late , but you can use Firefox with "User Agent Switcher" add-on installed and switch it to iphone and it will use less bandwidth on your home computer it also makes the site think you are using an iphone and not a computer. Sites aren't as fancy but they are smaller and faster loading .Some sites are setup for Iphone only and the switcher allows you to view those on a computer.
Some sites require use of different versions of IE with switcher you can appear to be using IE 6 , IE 7 or IE 8 even though you are realy using Firefox.

[zap]

Another question, I am using IE and when I am on the MSN homepage it throws me off and goes here, is there a setting I can use to stop it from doing that? http://ad.doubleclick.net/adi/N3382.no_url_specifiedOX2487/B5076164.23%3Bsz, it just does it and I don't click anything? thanks

[Dogman]

Have not used IE for years so others may help you, That is a ad page. sounds like you need to reset your home page. I have so many of ad's from this site blocked, using Firefox ad block plug in it is not funny



http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DJSXBCNi490


http://www.metacafe.com/watch/1461700/how_to_set_a_website_as_your_homepage/

[Dogman]

Did any of this above help?

[zap]

I finally figured out what the problem was this was installed, (Browser Address Error Redirector) It redirected me everytime I turned around lol, I unistalled it.

[MNeagle]

Your tech guy didn't catch that when he looked remotely?

tsk, tsk.

But YOU did! Way to go! Hope you're having better speeds & $$ rates now zap.