log traffic

[techallenged]

Hi guys,

Not sure if this is the right forum, but bare with me!

My Bro is looking to ditch landline telco and Broadband ADSL and replace with Mobile Broadband (limited to 3g per month).

Both he and his missus occasionaly download some mp3 and even a movie or 2 but that would be rare. Its mostly just general surfing and the odd email. Tho' a lot of youtubing (viewing) is starting to take place.

Anyway, cutting to the chase... is there any way to log the amount of traffic in and out? One uses xp home and the other is on vista ultimate.

If you need more info to help, just ask

Many thanks

[Silicon Scream]

I have Verizon Mobile Broadband (5GB/month). My online account allows me to monitor its usage. There is also a local client installed on my laptop which does have some historical information however I'm not sure to what length it goes back. I have only periodicaly checked the local stats for my current session.

My suggestion, check with the provider. I imagine there's an easy way to track this.

[Train]

You Tube, say 10 Mb per video. and it will not take long eat up that bandwith.

[Tuttle]

It'd be worth checking with the current ISP too -- they may find that they already use way more than 3 gigs.

[Silicon Scream]

For what it's worth, you should also note one other thing with the wireless broadband networks. They are NOT the fastest thing in the world and I would not recommend it for someone who is into streaming or downloading of lots of large web content. This is primarily due to the connection speed, but of course the bandwidth limits imposed by the ISP also come into play.

You will definitely notice a difference in speed from WiFi down to Wireless Broadbank speeds. Some content can easily take twice as long to load.

For someone in IT who has to have access from everywhere or is one who goes places w/o WiFi or any sort of DIA this is a great solution. But for completely replacing your home internet connection, this is not yet the end all solution it will eventually become. Especially if you're one who downloads tons of content. At least not yet.

[techallenged]

Thanks for the responses guys,

To be honest, I am of the same opinion generally that its not a good idea... at least not at this time.

I was hoping for some software to log the data throughput to show just how much they are using currently, and so they can see for themselves the disadvantages.

Thanks again

[Tuttle]

I've got no idea what it's like nowadays, but DUMeter used to be popular. The 30-day trial might be enough to give them an idea of current usage, and if they do switch then buying it might be an option if the ISP doesn't have a good way to check on quota usage. It'd need to be run on each PC and the numbers added.

[Train]

5.8 MB and that was just 1 video at You Tude.

Thanks Tuttle. Plum forgot about it.


R-click the icon is the systray and select Totals and Reports.

[techallenged]

I'll have to check it out, sounds just what I'm looking for...many thanks

[Train]

Yee gads, 496 MB since I installed it. About 2:30 pm yesterday. and it is 10:30 AM now.

I think folks who use it maybe in for a surprise.

[techallenged]

I think folks who use it maybe in for a surprise.

Indeed, it's surprising how it adds up.

I don't think it'll be a problem convincing them the limited quota is a bad thing!!!

I've started using it myself and have to say, excellent piece of software. Tuttle, good call.