How to reduce bandwidth consumption?

[Regular Guy]

I have a 75gb a month plan, and I usually seem to pass the limit no matter what. I use the internet daily, I use skype quite often and play some browser games. What is the major thing that would reduce my usage so I don't pass the limit? Thanks!

[Dylan]

If you are using 75GB a month by yourself, that is quite a bit.

❶ Use online streaming videos with care, e.g., YouTube. If you frequently watch shows online from your computer or wireless device, this will impact your usage. Also, the higher the video quality (resolution) the more bandwidth and usage is taken up. So, if you watch YouTube videos, set the quality to the lowest and avoid watching it in HD qualities. Anything that you do on the Internet is pretty much downloading, because you need to download the content to view it on your browser.

❷ If you are using Internet Explorer, turn on the pop-up blocker. If you are using FireFox, download a pop-blocker add-on, such as "Adblock Plus". Pops-up not only annoy you, but also need to download onto your computer, which takes up your usage limit.

❸ Avoid using "Peer-to-peer services", such as KaZaa, Morpheus, etc., because these constantly download and upload contents from your computer.

❹ You need to close all the programs that are constantly in contact with the Internet, such as E-mail clients (such as Windows Mail), Twitter feeds, RSS feeds, etc. Don't keep a million Internet browser windows open. Close them when you are done.

❺ Regularly update and scan your computer with an anti-virus program. "Trojan" viruses make your computer act as a server, potentially giving other malicious individuals access to your computer files and its Internet connection. A "Worm" virus can send out Email messages with harmful attachments from your computer to all addresses in your Email address book without your knowledge.

❻ Take care when you connect your wireless devices (such as your smartphone) to your home network and download things. This will use up your home usage limit.

❼ Keep your "Wireless Home Network" secure. If you don't have a password set for your wireless network at home, then people could connect to your network and steal your Internet. When others start using your Internet, it'll be slow for you and you'll meet your usage limit faster.

❽ Compress files before sending it. If you compress your files before sending it on Hotmail or Windows Live Messenger, you'll be able to save on your usage limit and the recipient will be able to download it faster and you'll able to get it done quickly.