Data downloaded in certain time frame

[techtata]

Hi,If you just keep a page open in a browser window for exactly say an hour without doing anything how much data will be downloaded or uploaded? I am bit surprised to see my data disappearing so fast despite just reading news on the net and not doing any data consuming tasks such as watching vidoes, downloading movies etc. Thanks...

 

[iitmanojit]

This may be the result of shadow/background connections active. Such as Microsoft service improvement or any other company's service improvement programs. There may be Spywares.

 

[auroraPWN]

Okay to answer your question this really depends on the web page you are accessing. But if you are seeing a huge amount of data being used up like > 10 mb .... there may be some background updates running or a spyware , virus etc.

 

[iChaitanya]

Use some good licensed anti-virus/anti-spyware program. Uninstall all useless crap from your PC. That should fix it.

 

[techtata]

Thanks guys...

 

[Daddycool]

What eats up your data download when you are apparently not doing anything?1. Updates to your OS and other software. Most anti-virus and anti-spyware updates happen at almost each boot time. But OS updates, though less frequent, are the real biggies. Already mentioned by a previous answer.2. Some malware program sending out what it deems as confidential data. This data will be of necessity very small in size so as to reduce the chances of detection. Already mentioned by a previous answer.3. Some malware that is using your system for a DDoS attack on a third party. That can be big.4. Advertisements on your browser page that refresh to different ads at regular intervals. Usually quite small but frequent in bursts.Actions to take:1. Install some small bit metering program that will keep you informed something is going on.2. Have a decent anti-malware installed. (virus and spyware)3. Set your OS update to prompt before updating. Do this for other software as well except for your anti-malware program which should be left on auto update.