: My computer is downloading something even though

[gregg]

Hi,

I have a dial up internet connection and I go online only once a day when I want to download my e mail messages or visit couple of web sites.

But sometimes I notice that even after the messages are downloaded and web pages are downloaded if I leave the connection on my computer is sending and receiving bytes.

Can somebody explain why this occurs?

How do I know what my commuter is downloading OR ( Uploading ) and from what source ?

What can I do to prevent it?

Thank You.
Greg

 

[_WW_]

A couple of things <i>may</i> be happening. You may have a virus...or your email may be checking for mail, this interval can be set to whatever you wish in most email programs.

First thing you should do is get an Anti-virus program and update it daily <i>before</i> you check for mail. Second get ZoneAlarm...at least the free version and keep it running. ZoneAlarm will tell what on your computer is trying to access the internet and you can deny it or any other program access.

....WW (4.0)

 

[Zoron]

There is constant communication between your computer and your ISP's server... whether you're doing anything on the internet or not. Most of the time, this is normal and nothing bad is happening. However, if you find that packets are being sent / received constantly (lights are on almost always) you may want to check which programs are accessing the internet.

Do you find your connection is slow?

<font color=red> If you design software that is fool-proof, only a fool will want to use it. </font color=red>

 

[blah]

it depends what ISP software you are running as well.

..this is very useful and helpful place for information...

 

[alltaken]

also

micrsoft products constantly talk to microsoft unless you turn off their options.

e.g. there is in every program an option saying, automaticly check for updates when connected to the internet. Word, Windows media player, internet explorer, excel, outlook express you name it. (windows update if set on automatic will try and download things automaticly and slowly via the internet)

Windows media player if not custom configured will send reports of what you listen to, how many times, artist, track number, duration, listening periods, ..... you name it they collect it. so unless its been turned off it could be this.

also your atomic clock time and other various things try to talk to the internet as well.

i have turned off all of these functions, not because i am worried about privacy, but because i don't like them and i don't give people information if i don't like them

but yeah it could also be virus or spyware.

Alltaken

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