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General discussion

What is wasting so much bandwidth?

Apr 16, 2007 3:39PM PDT

Hi,
I have an ADSL connection and I'm limited to 5 GB per month so if I go over it I must pay extra. This month I had days in my 3 computer office where we had 700 - 900 MB extra transfer on one day, too much! I don't know what could be the reason because we are not downloading DVDs or do not play streaming. One suspect of mine is that Google Earth could be the reason because it uses so many high resolution digital photos that are downloaded on the fly. Is this true that Google earth is such a megabytes eater?

Regards,
Mirza

Discussion is locked

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I can guess
Apr 16, 2007 10:55PM PDT

at this.

Any high resolution photos can take some kb of use. Some I got from the Hubble were 1.1 mb - 1.5 mb

Virus protection can sometimes add to this, especially when they upgrade the program.

Most emails are small. But start sending pictures and Videos an it can add up quickly. If I remember correctly, Outlook can limit the emails. Outlook does not allow you to receive .exe files, so I'm sure you could remove all html and pictures. Have it allow only what you want it to.

Also, I'm not sure how much bandwidth is used with instant messaging. Depending on what you need to send and receive can also matter.

I find the biggest culprit is emails with videos and pictures. Second culprit is high resolution pictures and videos from websites.


Hope this helps.


Rick

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"Google earth" = Great guess.
Apr 17, 2007 12:49AM PDT

Don't use that if you can with such limits on GB.

You'll also want to block all PORTS except the ones you know you'll use. This could help you lock out a pest (spyware or other) from gobbling your bytes.

http://www.netlimiter.com/ might be the answer for you.

Bob

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thanks a lot!
Apr 17, 2007 3:53PM PDT

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