Data Usage

[goolarra]

I recently bought a new computer, and my data usage has increased dramatically.

I'm a frequent contributor to MH; it probably accounts for about 90% of my internet usage.  

When I had my previous computer, I seldom even put a dent in the 5 gigs of data that comes with my plan.  With my new computer, I'm suddenly getting overage charges.  I can only assume that, due to the age of my old computer, a lot of content wasn't being download with respect to ads, etc., and now it is.

Is there any way to limit data usage or turn off the advertising?

Also, one other phenomenon...every once in a while, the ad in the upper right hand corner of the screen that is usually silent will suddenly turn on its audio without my doing anything.  

[goolarra]

Hi Emily -

I use IE.

The ad doesn't slow everything down.  It's any ad that's in the upper right hand corner of the screen.  There's usually no sound coming from that ad, but everyone in a while, the sound comes on, and I haven't done anything to make it come on.  It starts playing by itself.

I've already discussed my data usage with my ISP.  I live in the boonies, so none of the unlimited data options is available to me.  We can't get broadband or even DSL. You're right; I have a wireless plan, but it's only computer, no phone service involved (MiFi).  I could go to a different plan, but at the moment it's cheaper to pay the overage charges when they occur.

Thanks for your help.  I'll check out the URL on the ad next time it sounds off and send it to you.  

[Emily_MHManager]

Hey goolarra -

Congrats on the new computer!

It probably is the ads, an updated browser with more graphics, more flash graphics - everything combined. What browser do you use?

I do wonder about the ad that slows everything down contributing to this. The next time it happens, can you right click on the ad, go to properties and copy the url that it shows, and paste it here for us? How often do you see that ad?

You might also want to talk to your internet provider and see if there is an updated plan that might actually be cheaper for you now that you have a new computer, too. It looks like you use your wireless plan for your computer, and you should talk to your provider to see about ways to do this for free, or for less money than you are paying now for overages.

I hope this helps some.

Emily