Posted on 08/22/2015 2:30:01 AM PDT by Swordmaker
Data caps on internet bandwidth might make some users think twice about downloading patches, which often include security updates.
For some Windows 10 users, the problems keep coming.
Just shy of a month since Windows 10 was released to millions of users through a staggered upgrade, many have found they've run out of bandwidth already. That's because their internet provider sets the amount its customers can download in a monthly billing cycle.
In many parts of the US, the "cap" is in the low hundreds of gigabytes, like for AT&T and Comcast customers, as well as those using mid-sized providers.
But many smaller ISPs -- including those providing users in remote areas and in countries where internet access is not as available-- have data caps that can be significantly lower.
Though Windows 10 was free to download, updating the operating system is costing some dearly, reports The Sydney Morning Herald. Some have blamed the way the new operating system downloads and installs updates. Prior to Windows 10, users could choose whether or not to install updates, depending on where they were in their billing cycle. But for many who breezed through the setup process, updates install in the background, often without user interaction.
Other reports that have trickled in also blame Windows 10's forced updates.
In the past three weeks since its launch, there have been three cumulative updates available for Windows 10. According to sister-site TechRepublic, some installations -- including drivers -- could use about 5 GB of bandwidth for a typical 64-bit installation.
Based on a snapshot analysis of some data caps on one Reddit thread, that could amount to anything from one-quarter to one-third of a user's monthly data.
Windows 10 doesn't make it easy for you to secure your privacy, but it can be done.
Some have added that Windows 10's internet-based system services use up significant amounts of data -- such as the Cortana voice assistant, search, telemetry and diagnostic services, and sharing updates with others (which can be turned off).
Things have changed in the past few years, thanks to the rise in internet streaming services and more interactive (and bandwidth hungry) gaming consoles. But many internet providers have yet to catch up, or don't have the capacity to offer faster services or more bandwidth.
Internet service caps vary wildly by state, region, and country. Not everyone is fortunate enough to have "unlimited" data. Even many Americans are in a region where broadband internet isn't available, relying on mobile broadband and satellite internet -- often at a significantly greater cost for a lesser overall service.
In any case, for heavier bandwidth users, Windows updates are likely going to look paltry in size compared to a single hour of streaming high-definition content from Netflix.
However, turning off updates may not be the best solution. Updates often come with software improvements and bug fixes, but also security patches. Not installing security patches can put a user's data at risk if they are susceptible to hacking and data theft.
The sad part is that these caps are, in many cases, a business decision rather than a technical one, according to Ars Technica.
While many have pointed to Windows for churning up data, it seems that blame may be mislaid.
"This isn't the fault of the operating system," said one Reddit user. "This is the fault of the ISP."
I have a mac. I live in Indonesia. Telkomsel tries to limit us to 10 gig per month. Apple updates and app updates do take up a large part of 10 gig each month.
I have heard that some people have multiple accounts and do some other things so they can actually use more than 10 gig. But if 10 gig were it ... these updates would infuriate me.
...not even leaving enough bandwidth crumbs behind for browsing FR for news or posting.
I use AT&T. My monthly cap is 45GB. ‘Course, my monthly phone bill is $275.
Swoardmaker, there is a very clear option on installation where you can specify if you are on a metered connection. I’m not metered so I haven’t looked to see what it does, but I am guessing there are settings to help deal with this issue.
Most of the software I use (And that’s a lot) runs on Windows. I use Office 365, Sonar recording studio software, Cubase (same) and a couple of games. I tried Ubuntu about five years ago and decided I just wanted to use my computer as a comodity. It works and I don’t need to tinker with it.
I still see Linux as for computer hobbyists or folks who run servers, etc. For the average computer user - who uses their computer as a simple tool to do their job, Linux is not practical.
And I’ve been in IT since 1983 and build my own computers.
So if I’m reading correctly into this, does Windows 10 track your bandwidth usage and report it someplace? Because if it does this has an Obamasque Operation Net Neutrality feel to it and it sounds like Microsoft might have worked with the WH to develop software that controls bandwidth usage. That would sound very Gateish. I could be wrong but nothing surprises me these days. Not anymore.
http://www.microsoftvirtualacademy.com/product-training/windows
For any Freepers that are IT geeks and need to learn the OS, it is good training.
> And I’ve been in IT since 1983 and build my own computers.
I build my own too. Not often the cheapest route but I get a lot better computer for the money and it beats the crap out of those Dell and HP computers any day.
Think of gigabytes as gallons of water. Your ISP allows you 250 gallons a months. If you go over the 250 gallon limit they will cut the water pressure. You still have water but only a trickle. Some Internet Service Providers will charge you an extra fee for every gallon you go over.
I like having the install disks.
They all do now. It has nothing to do with Obammy. It’s a way make money. Never had limits until a few years ago.
For a guy that screams about “FUD”, he should have easily done 2 minutes of research and found that out.
But then again FR needs yet another Win10 post for Linux people to pimp that marginal OS, Old cranks boasting about their old computers running some old version of Windows, and clueless so-called “tech geeks” to scream how “stupid M$” is.
This is true in those very limited areas of the country that have real competition for broadband access. Not so much for the vast majority of us.
Thanks for putting a name to it. I knew the principle but not the naming.
Ditch Windows, use Linux.
...
And have different set of problems.
Side note: Reaper 5 was just released. Might wanna have a look.
“Get a Mac.”
Only men under 25 who wear Birkenstocks, have goatees, and carry man purses use a Mac.
Real men use Windows and LOVE the challenge of downloading patches and fighting viruses.
It’s what men do.
“This isn’t the fault of the operating system,” said one Reddit user. “This is the fault of the ISP.”
Not everyone has, or can have, a fat pipe straight into a terabyte drive.
Sometimes I work by cellular data. Don’t silently start sucking vast amounts thru a low capacity pipe I’m paying dearly for.
It will over time. Thats why even bad markets have options today where none existed before. It’s a time/trickle down thing.
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