Top tips to manage your data usage at home
Make the most of your monthly data allowance.
Most of us need to watch our data usage, either because we’re on a capped monthly plan, or because of fair usage policies that apply through our providers.
But have you ever wondered exactly how your allowance gets used up each month?
Although not as much of a concern on a fixed line as it is with mobile, it’s still crucial to understand your data consumption patterns, and manage your usage efficiently.
Top tips to manage your data usage:
1. Size matters
If you’d like to keep track of your data usage, keep an eye on the size of information being downloaded – this is what will affect your cap.
2. Watch those devices
Recent research revealed that the average Aussie household has up to eight internet-connectable devices, with that number set to grow in future.
Monitoring all those devices is critical to your data plan. Be aware of what devices your roommates and /or family members may have plugged into the one account as this could result in a shock on your monthly internet bill.
3. Emails
While most plans don’t have emails eating up masses of data, it’s the large attachments on each that will affect your statement at the end of the month. Most email services have strict limits on the file sizes one can send but it never hurts to double check.
4. Look at what’s happening in the background
This is an important one to consider, especially on shared devices. A lot of apps and programs across Windows and Mac check for updates (as well as download and install these updates), scan for new messages or update content all in the background.
If you’re noticing a sudden increase in data usage without a change in browsing activity, it may be worth looking into what your programs are doing without you.
5. Data downfalls
Social media, Skype (and other video chatting software), online gaming and video streaming will cause your data usage to buildup.
So keep an eye on how much each activity is using, especially after an extended period of activity. This can often be done through tools provided by your internet service provider.