1GB internet usage

kittykat101

Ok, so long story short...where I live/work were going over to an internet cafe system which basically means were issued with password and user name and given 1GB allowance a month for internet usage.

However, I am aware that there are alot of programmes that connect to the internet to update etc without me even knowing about them so I need to disable them.

But, I don't know what programmes connect? Word? Photo shop? Antiviral? Just windows? Itunes? You get the idea?????

Or is there away to set it so programmes can only connect if I let them?

Thanks

poppy10_2

Sounds like you need a firewall.

Download Comodo Firewall - when you are installing it, make sure you select just the firewall, not the antivirus, defence+, proactive security or other stuff.

A firewall will alert you when a program is trying to access the internet. For your internet browser and iTunes you can set it to always allow the internet connection, but you can block other apps from using the internet unless you want them to.

mttylad

I would suggest "not" disabling your antivirus updating.

poppy10_2

mttylad wrote: »

I would suggest "not" disabling your antivirus updating.

But most users don't need their antivirus to update every hour, like some are set up to do automatically. It's way overkill.

fiddiwebb

You live at work?

mttylad

poppy10 wrote: »

But most users don't need their antivirus to update every hour, like some are set up to do automatically. It's way overkill.

every hour?
What AV program checks hourly?
If it does its usually easy to change to a set time per day.

poppy10_2

mttylad wrote: »

every hour?
What AV program checks hourly?

BitDefender, for one.

If you are connected to the Internet through broadband or DSL, BitDefender (by default) automatically checks for updates when you turn on your computer and every hour after that.

Kaspersky, for another.

Kaspersky Lab updates the antivirus database every hour and makes it available according to the necessity. Kaspersky Lab update servers are Kaspersky Lab Internet-sites where updated antivirus database and application modules are laid out. To set automatic update, check Enable automatic updates and set the frequency of performing the update in the Update frequency section. The optimal mode to update the antivirus database is every hour.

Avast, one of the most popular free AVs, is set to update every four hours by default, and you can only set the update interval in minutes - if you want to set it to only check once a week, you have to set it to update every 10080 minutes. Annoying.

swifthorn

1GB? I use that in half hour :eek:

macman

A work-based system will surely not allow users to disable or modify the antivirus/firewall systems already in place.
What happens when you've used your 1GB allowance on day one of the month? Do they send you home for the rest of the month?

fiddiwebb

Got me scratching my head as well Mac, Can't believe they are only allowed 1GB of usage a month unless internet access is not required for work?

Could the OP elaborate what they mean by.........

where I live/work were going over to an internet cafe system which basically means were issued with password and user name and given 1GB allowance a month for internet usage.

JasX

fiddiwebb wrote: »

You live at work?

....however presumably somewhere where there is no critical or sensitive activities or electronic equipment as moving to a system where those who live/work there are forced to restrict AV / OS security patches / other software security patches will turn said living/working location into a hotbed for all types of computer viruses.

And you'd constantly be a careless USB away (probably from a contractor) from such systems going awry...

ie if OP is say a housemaid for a wealthy individual this could cause minor irritation if boss can't get his porche out of the garage because big computer that runs the home automation system is knocked out... more of an issue for oil platforms / remote industrial sites where more dangerous stuff is likely to happen