BGAN Tricks to Save Money with Bandwidth Usage Optimization

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BGAN (& FleetBroadband) Computer Optimization
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Optimizing A Computer To Increase Speed & Reduce Usage

To make BGAN (or FleetBroadband which uses the same network as BGAN) competitive with other satellite platforms, there are programs and tricks you can employ to significantly reduce the amount of data transferred over the network. You can use your BGAN service more often because you're using far less with the monthly service you're subscribed to.

1. Install And Run BGAN MAX on any connected computer.
Gain the max amount of speed from this small utility from Ground Control that runs in the background compressing files on-the-fly, AND making your application run far quicker such as web page loading times. BGAN MAX works with powerful servers on the other side of the satellite connection so that data is transmitted ideally over the satellite link. BGAN Max is free for all Ground Control BGAN and FleetBroadband accounts. This is must-have utility for any user. more info on BGAN MAX

2. Turn Off Microsoft Updates.

Because Microsoft updates happen automatically in the background, you will want to them off when on the BGAN 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 in step 2.

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

4. Install SuperAdBlocker
This wonderful application cuts down a huge portion of any website with removing the majority of ads and Java scripts that take up more than half of commercial web pages. This application is great to have even if you are not on the BGAN network.

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

5. Other Tricks

Understand the pros and cons of a Client-Based Email over Webmail. Programs like Outlook or Thunderbird are client-based and do not transfer all of the visual overhead (images & text) of a browser using webmail. The downside is client-based programs transfer ALL email including ones with large file attachments to your computer. The advantage of Webmail is that you have the option to transfer to your computer ONLY what you wish to transfer. The advantage of client based is no-overhead (but you must transfer all email).

Do not leave your computer unattended. Disconnect it from the Ethernet to be 100% sure the computer is unable to transfer information over the BGAN link. Better yet, turn off the BGAN terminal if you do not expect a phone call over it.

Turn Off Browser Images (optional). BGAN MAX can reduce image size by 80%, but 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 the most important one is about 2/3rds the way down. Uncheck "Show pictures" and then click "Apply".

Videos and RSS feeds and Web pages that Automatically refresh area all data intensive. Be aware of what is transferring on a computer by using a monitoring program (described next).

Monitor Your Traffic Usage. A simple monitoring utility shows what your computer is transferring real time in both directions. Knowing how much you actually use will give peace of mind when using a BGAN terminal. NOTE - The BGAN LaunchPad software on the laptop communicates constantly with the BGAN terminal (non-satellite traffic), so it is a good idea to close the LaunchPad for a precise measurement of usage.

Here is a link to Bandwidth Monitor Pro 1.3

The Bottom Line
BGAN is akin to having a satellite dish in your laptop case. Its portability and global availability make it perfect for many kinds of professional (and personal) communication. With BGAN Max and the above optimization techniques, this platform can be as competitive as any satellite service.

For questions, please contact Ground Control at 800-773-7168 within the U.S., or click here for International calls, or email sales@groundcontrol.com

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