Do I use download allowance by having tabs open?

Hi there. I do not download music or pictures or videos, but I keep getting big bills from my provider for usage above my 30gb monthly allowance. If I have windows/tabs left open during the day&night, does this use up my allowance or is there something more sinister going on?

Thanks guys and dolls. :confused

 

30 Gigs is a lot. And if you are not downloading music or movies etc. I cant see how one can use 1 Gig a day!! Nope leaving your Pc or any program/application running will not contribute to Internet activity. Looks like some one is piggy backing off your connection. You will need to contact your provider and have them give you stats for your daily usage and cross check with your personal usage. Cheers....

PS: Eeks Mark has already replied...

 

If you use a wireless router and it is not secured, others may be using your bandwidth. An unsecured wireless system is open for anyone within range of your wireless router (your neighbors or even someone sitting in a car outside your house with a wireless laptop). On my laptop at home I can (but don't - my own service has unlimited bandwidth usage) access the internet through two different wireless networks in my neighbors' houses.
Most routers come without any security set by default. Check the user guide that came with your router (or check for it on the web, if you have lost it), for instructions for securing your router.
30Gb is a considerable bandwidth allowance. If you are not downloading "pictures. music or videos", you should definitely not be exceeding your limit.

 

Another distinct possibility is that you have a trojan/worm/virus that is using your computer as a silent workhorse for a (bad) hacker. These are common, and shouldn't be overlooked as a possibility... although I've never heard of one that uses that much bandwidth. If you go to the Malware forum here on MG, and follow the Read and Run Me First sticky thread's instructions completely, including posting a thread after running all scanning programs, that should clear you out of THAT possibility.

As others have already stated, wireless internet is a big risk as well without the proper setup. Definitely set your own custom password for your wireless router if you haven't already, as well.

 

Hey guys. Thanks for the tips. Not running any wireless stuff, so that isn't it. Running paid AVG protection and Defender on Vista. Security all above default. Going to the Malware thread and will report back. (Also moving to o2 next week from rubbish Pipex).
Laters.

 

Wow. Geeks always the best. Mrs Mulcher used to do BBC i-Player. Looked in all programs, but can't see it. How do I sniff it out on my Vista system if its still onboard? Oh yeah & I ran through the malware thread (V-thorough!) and nothing so far....