Broadband Tools

Broadband Download Monitor FAQ

The Broadband Download Monitor (BDM) is a tool that allows you to track your downloads. All your questions on the tool are answered below. Click here to get our Download Monitor now.

• 1. What is the Broadband Download Monitor?
• 2. Why do I need to track my downloading?
• 3. Do I have to pay to use the Broadband Download Monitor?
• 4. How does the Broadband Download Monitor work?
• 5. Will you track the websites I visit and what I download?
• 6. I have two computers in my house: how can I track my total downloads?
• 7. Does the BDM count uploads as well as downloads?
• 8. I want to use the Broadband Download Monitor: what do I need to do next?
• 9. This software is ‘free-ware’: what does this mean?
• 10. Is this software Apple Mac & Mobile Broadband compatible?
• 11. The BDM is monitoring internal network traffic

What is the Broadband Download Monitor?

This tool tracks your downloads and alerts you as you get near your limit. If you’re thinking of switching broadband packages, you can also use it to measure your usage and see what limit you could comfortably cope with.

Why do I need to track my downloading?

Many ISPs impose limits on how much you can download every month. You will normally have to pay a financial penalty if you exceed your limit, and some ISPs will even upgrade your broadband package instead, meaning that you will have to pay extra each month.

Do I have to pay to use the Broadband Download Monitor?

No, the application is free to download and use. This application was written by ConsumerChoices.co.uk: we are a registered UK company, and the tool was written to help UK customers to understand how much they download to avoid paying penalties for exceeding limits.

How does the Broadband Download Monitor work?

The Broadband Download Monitor has been designed to count traffic in your broadband modem or a network router device that you specify. The traffic counts are then regularly presented in a balloon tip that will keep you informed of the total amount of information downloaded. It will also alert you when you are reaching your limit.

Will you track the websites I visit and what I download?

No. The tool only records the total amount of information, rather than the information itself. No information about the sites you visit or what you download is transmitted to us.

I have two computers in my house: how can I track my total downloads?

The BDM tracks internet/network traffic for your PC that goes through your modem or router. If you have more than one computer in your home, with a router, then the BDM will need to be installed on both machines. This way, it tells you total amount of internet traffic downloaded by each individual computer.

Does the BDM count uploads as well as downloads?

Yes, the BDM counts all traffic regardless of whether you are uploading or downloading.

I want to use the Broadband Download Monitor: what do I need to do next?

First you need to register with BroadbandChoices.co.uk (you can opt out of receiving our newsletter). We want all users to register so that we can ensure you always have the latest version of the software and stop copyright infringement.

This software is ‘free-ware’: what does this mean?

We produced this software to help users avoid paying unnecessary download penalties. The software is available for residential customers to track internet usage in their homes, and is provided free of charge. We retain ownership of the Broadband Download Monitor and the coding of the product. The re-sale of Broadband Download Monitor is strictly forbidden under its terms of usage.

Is this software Apple Mac & Mobile Broadband compatible?

At present the BDM is not Mac compatible and might not work with all mobile broadband dongles/USB’s, this is something we are working on.

The BDM is monitoring internal network traffic

The BDM service is designed for non-technical users. It isn’t appropriate for those who run a home network for file sharing, or as a print server. Any internal network hard drivers/other PCs will record towards your usage.

Click here to download the Broadband Download Monitor...

If you have any further questions, please e-mail us at bdm@broadbandchoices.co.uk

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