Keeping control of your data usage

There are many ways in which PCs and laptops use data without you being aware. Operating system updates, virus checker downloads, news tickers and other programs all use data. It doesn't matter if you're using your home or office network or free wi-fi, but the amount of data can mount up, which will eat into your quota when you're using a data stick or mobile hotspot. So you could run up an unexpectedly large data bill without realising.

We want to help you get the best value from your Cellhire data product. Here are some easy ways to avoid needless data use:

• If you're using a PC (not a Mac) download and install Cellhire's exclusive DataManager program before you go, using your own network, so you can monitor your usage every day and track it against any quotas or bundled amounts you choose
• Disable automatic operating system updates from Windows
• Disable any auto-updating software like anti-virus programs or software that automatically checks for new information whenever you connect
• Optimise your mail client
• Optimise your internet browser, including disabling browser pop-ups and any automatically refreshing feeds, such as news tickers
• Disable iTunes

Here's our step-by-step guide to putting these tips into practice and preparing your laptop for your trip:

1. Install DataManager

Download the DataManager setup file by clicking here.

See the detailed installation guide.

To find out more about DataManager, click here.

2. Disable automatic operating system updates

Windows XP - Select Start > Control Panel > System, select the Automatic Updates tab then Select Turn off automatic updates.

Windows Vista/7 - Select Start > Settings > Control Panel > Windows Update > Change Settings then Select Never check for updates.

MAC OS X 10.3 or later - Select Apple menu > System Preferences > Software Update. Make sure that Check for Updates and Download important updates are both NOT enabled.

3. Disable auto-updating software

Check the settings for any anti-virus or anti-spam programs and turn off the auto-updating feature. Contact the software vendor for more information about how to do this.

4. Optimise your email client

If you're subscribed to any newsgroups through Outlook, temporarily disable them so you do not receive automatic newsgroup updates.

Change your send/receive settings if you use POP/IMAP email. This means your computer doesn't check so frequently for new mails, which creates internet traffic and uses data.

Using Outlook 2003/2007 > Tools > Send/Receive > Send/Receive Settings > Disable Scheduled Send/Receive.

This means that you have to manually click the Send/Receive button before you can receive or send any new mail.

Set your emails to be received and sent in plain text only, so you don't have to download images that create more data traffic.

Outlook Express > Tools > Options > Read tab

Outlook Express > Tools > Options > Send tab > Mail Sending Format > select Plain Text

Outlook 2003 >Tools > Options > Preferences tab > Email Options

Check the 'Read all standard mail in plan text' option.

Outlook 2007 >Tools > Trust Center > Email Security

Check the 'Read all standard mail in plan text' option.

Outlook 2003/2007 > Tools > Options > Mail Format tab > Message format > in the 'Compose in this format' drop down menu choose Plain Text.

5. Optimise your internet browser

Block web page pop-ups so you'll be offered the choice of whether to allow a window to load.

Internet Explorer > Tools > Pop-up blocker > Turn on Pop-up blocker

Pop-up blocker is turned on if you see 'Turn off Pop-up blocker'

Firefox > Tools > Options > Content tab

By default the pop-up blocker setting should be checked

Block web page pop-ups so you'll be offered the choice of whether to allow a window to load.

Browser Settings for media

Internet Explorer > Tools > Options > Advanced tab > scroll to Multimedia section

Uncheck the following- 'Show pictures', 'Play sounds', 'Play animations'.

It is possible to then view picture in webpage by right clicking on the place holder, and choose 'Show Picture'

Firefox > Tools > Options > Content tab

Uncheck the setting 'Load images automatically.'

6. Configure iTunes

iTunes can transfer a lot of data even when you are not actively using it. To minimise this:

iTunes menu > Preferences

On the General tab, change the settings "Check for updates automatically" and "Automatically retrieve CD names from the internet"

On the Store tab, adjust the settings that control automatic downloads of content.