Bit of advice please

[roverthtaeh]

Evening all.
Recently been having a problem with my ISP. For the 2nd time in a month I have been placed on a 'heavy user pipeline'.
There are three computers in my house and I'm at a loss as to what is causing the heavy usage. I recently deleted limewire from my step-daughter's computer but can't be sure what she's doing on there all the time.
I have heard there might be a free downloadable tracking programme which enables me to track usage on the internet and find out exactly what is causing my problem.
Do any of you know where I might find such a programme?
Any help would be appreciated as I can't access any poker sites between 6 and 11pm whilst on this heavy usage pipeline.
 

[Bongo]

Do you know what sort of usage you need to be moved to that pipe?

I'll try and remember the data tracker i used a while back...

[roverthtaeh]

I believe the guy on the phone said something about 2 meg? Would that be about right?
Technically gifted I am not.

[CelticGeezeer]

switch to an ISP that don't limit you.

[roverthtaeh]

switch to an ISP that don't limit you.

Made several calls, it seems that I would be offline for 3 weeks during the switch over.
Apparently, my current ISP will deliberately slow down the process.
Also been informed that most have download restrictions anyway.
I just want to be able to find out exactly what it is that is causing me to over use. It sure isn't the poker and I don't do much else on here, personally.

[CelticGeezeer]

You could try somthing like this
http://www.softforyou.com/_traffic_monitor/traffic_monitor.html

[Graham C]

I've got a meter that runs in the background and tells you info like the speed you are currently downloading/uploading and how much you've downloaded each day/month/ytd etc etc.

Can't remember what it is at the moment, but I have it on my work pc so I'll post a link in the morning.

[Graham C]

Morning,

It's called NetMeter and you can get it from http://readerror.gmxhome.de/

[totalise]

Morning,

It's called NetMeter and you can get it from http://readerror.gmxhome.de/

does that monitor just the computer it is installed on, or does it monitor all the computers accessing your connection (ie through a wireless connection etc)

[Graham C]

edit: Looks like it's only the pc that it's installed on.  I've just tried downloading something from another pc on the network and it didn't pick up anything   Couldn't see an option either.

Another thought - Routers have a web browser interface usually - does any traffic get monitored in here?  I can't remember the log in for mine at work, but I'll have a look when I get home.

[Zebediah]

switch to an ISP that don't limit you.

Made several calls, it seems that I would be offline for 3 weeks during the switch over.
Apparently, my current ISP will deliberately slow down the process.
Also been informed that most have download restrictions anyway.
I just want to be able to find out exactly what it is that is causing me to over use. It sure isn't the poker and I don't do much else on here, personally.

In that case you should move on principle!

The new ISP you choose should do everything for you anyway provided you are not tied into a minimum contract.
If the worst happens you can use dial-up in the shortfall.

I went to AOL as they gave me a couple of months free dial-up while "escaping" talk talk. Also gave me a 1M completely unlimited connection (no fair usage crap) for £9.99 a month.
There technical help (like most) is pretty pants, but a good service.

[roverthtaeh]

Thanks for all your help and advice, much appreciated.

[Longines]

If you have multiple PCs connecting to the Internet via a router you can use the free version of PRTG to monitor the overall traffic.

http://www.paessler.com/download/prtg

[1] You need to know IP address of your router. If you need a hand with this, post here.
[2] When the PC running PRTG is turned off, you won't be tracking how much the others are downloading.

[totalise]

hi Longines

how do I find the IP adress of my router? that software looks very useful

[Suited_Jock]

hi Longines

how do I find the IP adress of my router? that software looks very useful

Correct me if im wrong because I aint at home just now but the Router ip address shud be the same as the DHCP server if u have a normal router bought out of PCworld/other electronics shop.

Goto the start menu -> hit run -> type in CMD then in the box that pops up type 'ipconfig/all' without the apostraphe's.

It will say DHCP server xxx.xxx.xxx.x for example as standard the belkin router's ip address is 192.168.2.1