There are many ways to generate significant Internet usage. Below you will find the most common activities that can cause you to exceed your free usage limit, and tips on how to reduce your usage.

Turn it Off

Turn your computer off when it is not being used. Many reasons for excessive usage occur without your knowledge when your computer is left on.

Peer-to-Peer Networks

Downloading and uploading files from peer-to-peer (P2P) networks, such as BitTorrent, KaZaa, Morpheus, Gnutella, and BearShare, use a lot of your monthly limit. These programs share files from your hard drive to other Internet users, possibly creating excessive usage without your knowledge.

Reduction Tips:

• Limit your use of file sharing programs. These programs create a large amount of traffic (usage) when downloading and sharing files.
• If you use P2P networks, turn off file sharing when possible and close any file sharing program when you’re not using it.

Viruses

Viruses often send mass emails from your computer without your knowledge.

Reduction Tip:

• Northwestel PC Protection Plus, Powered by F-Secure is an all-in-one security package that safeguards your computer against threats, leaving you worry-free so you can focus on running your business. With Northwestel PC Protection Plus, you don’t have to worry about viruses, spyware, spam or other online threats.

Spyware and Adware

Spyware gathers information from your computer to share with advertisers or other agencies. Adware allows advertising banners to pop-up on your screen. It is not always obvious if you have spyware or adware on your computer.

Reduction Tip:

• Make sure you have anti-spyware software and pop-up blockers installed on your computer. There are several programs that block pop-ups and remove spyware, such as Lavasoft’s Ad-aware and Spybot.

Large Email Files

Sending lots of emails or large email files generates a significant amount of usage. Emails with photos or other files attached are generally large emails.

Reduction Tip:

• Before sending large email attachments, compress them to reduce their size. You can do this by checking if your operating system has file compression capability, and if not, obtain a file compression program such as WinZip or Stuffit.

Significant Web Surfing

If you visit lots of websites, you will increase your usage.

Reduction Tip:

• While web surfing usually does not create excessive usage, you can still reduce the amount of usage this generates. Increasing the size of your web browser cache allows your computer to access files from your hard drive instead of the Internet.

Hackers

Hackers can access your computer and then use it in fraudulent ways, which can create excessive usage.

Reduction Tip:

• Add an anti-virus program to protect yourself from hackers. If you think a hacker has already hacked your computer, contact the computer vendor.

Online Gaming

Gaming significantly increases your usage.

Reduction Tip:

• Keep track of the amount of data transfer if you’re playing games online.
  Check your usage regularly. Cable users check here and DSL users check here.

Non-Encrypted Wireless Router/Network

If you have a wireless router/network that is not password protected, someone may be accessing it without your knowledge.

Reduction Tips:

• Make sure your wireless router/network is password protected. Your router’s user manual will tell you how to password protect your Internet service and guide you through the configuration settings necessary to password protect your router/network.