[size=14ptHelp! My 2gb "download limit" for the month is nearly used up That'll mean no internet until 12th next month. But I don't know how. Except I notice the amout "used" increses simply by connecting. Could it be that when I play FB games there is something downloaded? Also when I post a reply on forums? Or even open a new window? In which case ther is no "limitless browsing" is there...[/size]
Utterly unhelpful, but: 2gb is not even enough to turn your computer on each day. There's a reason broadband is pretty much standard now, as the amount of information transferred over a phone line increases all the time.
There is limitless browsing* but it appears you have a limit of 2GB. I don't know how much I use but I reckon I could hose away 2GB pretty quickly.
When you access a web site you are downloading information even if only temporarily. So usually (as here) what happens is you first download a text file which tells the browser how to lay the page out and then where to display text and graphics, the latter also then get downloaded (unless you specifically block them, which some folks did back in the old day of dial-up).
Equally when you play games (I don't know what the FB stands for but it probably isn't important for the point) you are constantly sending a stream of information into the Internet and the response is then sent back (adding to your downloads).
It is also worth checking to see if you have a virus or trojan lurking on your computer as that'd send and receive data and could even be being used to host sites or store files in a distributed manner (in which case I suspect your download limit would be gone in days but always worth a scan).
* Kind of, I'm pretty sure a lot of ISPs would take a long hard look at what you are up to if you were maxing out your capacity on a regular basis.
The big things are (obviously) downloading a lot of files, whatever the content, and streaming video. Whether it's iPlayer, YouTube or your own favoured special interest site, heavy usage of anything like that will kill your limit.
FB stands for Facebook. Sorry.
I have avoided downloading youtube, music anything like that.
My provider is T. Mobile ... it's a 12 month pre-paid dongle. Which claimes "unlimited 12 month access" with the limit of 2 GB downloading within each month.
It would appear from what you and others have said... that the friend who got me this as a present... has in fact been "conned" due to his lack of understanding...
Brillient!
I've seen lots of mates successfully navigate the numerous awful (cheapo) internet connections and providers of Belfast by sheer bull-headedness, no matter the contract length, company, or issues with their service. At one point I was actually present while the words "Give me my fucking MAC key or I'll come down there and get it" were spoken down the phone - and it worked. Which is quite impressive when you consider that the guy on the other end of the phone was probably in India.
If your provider is shit, change them. A 2gb limit can't actually cost you that much, as an 8gb limit is standard, and they start at around 4-7 quid a month (on top of line rental), so it might work out cheaper and handier for you to go to a different provider regardless of your contract - depends on what your internet connection is 'essential' for.
I've been with Virgin for a few years and have no complaints (before them, I was changing as soon as my contract was up - went through half a dozen providers). I couldn't operate with any download limit imposed, so it's worth paying for a decent service. It's not like it's terribly expensive to begin with?
I'd also not go willingly near a wireless connection again (death to dongles!). My first was fine, but my next two would drop out every few seconds either because of security issues or some weird inability of my router to recognise my PC (only five inches away for the purposes of setting up the initial connection).
I now very happily use a 'powerline' connection (uses the mains electric to carry the internet signal without having to run metres of ugly-looking wiring up the stairs). It's faster than wireless and as stable as externally cabled broadband.