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  FleetBroadband Best Use Practices
 

To make FleetBroadband services cost effective, we recommend these best use practices:

1. Install the Optimization Utility - Cut usage and Improve performance up to 700%
This utility when running on any connected computer will both improve the performance of the FleetBroadband connection AND reduce the amount of data transferred up to 80%. This utility works with our powerful servers so that data is resampeled and compressed in both directions. This service is free for all Ground Control FleetBroadband subscribers. For information on this utility, please email support@groundcontrol.com with your account number.


2. Turn Off Microsoft Updates (and all other application updates)
Because Microsoft updates happen automatically in the background, you will want to them off when on the FleetBroadband network. To do this in Windows, go to the Windows control panel, and open up the Security Center. Inside you will find a selection to "Turn Off Automatic Updates".


3. Install Zone Alarm
This simple program monitors Internet traffic to and from your computer. It will prompt you if any application is trying to connect without your knowledge (such as other programs that are trying to auto-update). You simply click yes or no to allow or block that connection (and check "remember" to block it forever). This one program alone almost eliminates all unknown data transfers. Make sure Zone Alarm's own Auto-Update is turned off. Note - Zone Alarm does not stop Microsoft Auto-Updates, which must be manually turned off.


Zone alarm is free for a bare bones version. It may be downloaded here.


4. Install SuperAdBlocker
SuperAdBlocker cuts down a huge portion of data transferred from web page by removing the majority of ads and Javascripts that populate so many commercial web pages. This application is excellent to have even if you are not on the FleetBroadband network.

SuperAdBlocker is free to try, and can be purchased for $29.99 from superadblocker.com

5. Email - We recommend using a client based program like Thunderbird where you have the option of downloading just the HEADERS of an email account. (This option must be enabled in Thunderbird). With just email headers, you can review your inbox and choose only the email you wish to read (with attachments). This saves a tremendous about of data being transferred, and is far superior to Webmail programs (It should be noted that webmail programs allow you to read an email body without downloading any attachments). Download Thunderbird free from CNET.

6. Other Best Use Practices

Do not leave connected computers unattended. Disconnect computers to be 100% sure no data is able to transfer over the link. Better yet, turn off the FleetBroadband terminal.

Turn Off Browser Images. (Optional) While the optimization utility can reduce image size by 80%, you have the option of completely turning off all images from downloading/appearing in your browser. The configuration is different for each browser, but for Internet Explorer, click on the "Tools" menu option and select "Internet Options". From the window that appears, select the "Advanced" tab. There are a host of things you may turn off, but to turn off images, simply uncheck "Show pictures" and then click "Apply".

Close web pages that could automatically refresh and other programs such as RSS feeds. These can all be quite data intensive. You can become more aware of what is transferring over your computer (even prior to using a FleetBroadband connection) by using the monitoring program described next.

Monitor Your Usage This simple utility shows how much data your computer is transferring real-time in both directions.

Here is a link to Bandwidth Monitor Pro 1.3

The Bottom Line
FleetBroadband service costs are more expensive when compared to VSAT satellite dish service plans. However, if one employs the techniques described above, FleetBroadband will in fact become a VERY competitive solution global maritime use.


FleetBroadband Best Use Practices Manual from Inmarsat

Questions?  800-773-7168 (U.S.) |  805-783-4600  |  sales@groundcontrol.com



   
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