Or you could just assume you are having network activity when on a always on internet connection...Seriously what is the point of having a flashing little icon in the taskbar? I find the whole premise of this a laugh riot.
My Computer
Computer type
PC/Desktop
Computer Manufacturer/Model Number
Alienware Aurora ALX R4
OS
Windows 10 Pro (x64)
CPU
Intel Core i7-3930K (3.2GHz - 4.5GHz)
Motherboard
Alienware Aurora-R4 x79
Memory
4x Samsung 4GB PC3-12800 DDR3 (16GB 1600MHz)
Graphics Card(s)
Nvidia Geforce GTX 690
Sound Card
SteelSeries Siberia Elite
Monitor(s) Displays
Dell UltraSharp U3011
Screen Resolution
2560x1600
Hard Drives
Samsung 850 Pro 256 GB, Seagate 1TB Desktop Hybrid HDD, 2x Western Digital 4TB Green HDD
PSU
875W Some Dell PSU <.<
Case
Alienware Aurora ALX
Cooling
Custom Liquid Cooling (EK CPU & GPU blocks) dual EK 480RAD
Keyboard
Logitech G710+ Mechanical
Mouse
Logitech G700s
Internet Speed
Verizon Fios (50 mbps average)
Other Info
Server: Intel NUC D54250WYK: i5-4250U, 16GB, 256 GB mSATA, Windows Server 2012 R2
Glad I could amuse you. The idea is to see how much bandwidth you are using. Not to have the flashing indicator. I think it's a neat little tool. But then I amuse easily. A Guy
Actually, that item USED to be in windows XP, until some ding-dong at Microsoft decided to remove it entirely from Vista and Windows 7 (it was enabled or disabled by checking a box). Leave it to MS to get rid of a feature that many users found useful.
I'm fairly certain it was in Vista too... I distinctly remember the icon flashing when you had network activity. It just wasn't always obvious behind the little globe that came up when you had Internet.
I kind of agree with logicearth, If you want to know whether you have network activity, your likely to be monitoring it anyway. I personally never paid any attention to whether the icon was flashing or not, unless something wasn't working.
My Computer
Computer type
PC/Desktop
Computer Manufacturer/Model Number
Medion Erazer (note to self: insert model number) - with custom additions
You'd be surprised at the activity going on in the background. I run a Gadget called Network Meter. It has a graphic representation of activity as well as some bandwidth buckets. I don't use the auto update because it just loads another service I can do without. Other than that, it's pretty nifty. You can find it at Addgadget.com.
My Computer
Computer type
PC/Desktop
Computer Manufacturer/Model Number
Built 2/11/2011
OS
Windows 7 Pro-x64
CPU
i7-2600 3.4GHz - 3.8GHz Turbo
Motherboard
Intel DH67BL-B3
Memory
8Gb - 2x4GB, Muskin 991770 PC3-1333
Graphics Card(s)
Integrated Intel HD 2000
Sound Card
Integrated Intel 10.1 HD, RealTek ALC892
Monitor(s) Displays
Asus LCD VH222H, Haier HL24XSL2a
Screen Resolution
1920x1080, 1920x1080
Hard Drives
Crucial SSD C300-128Gb,
Western Digital WD5002AALX - 500Gb,
Western Digital WD7501AALS - 750Gb
PSU
Seasonic 650W 80+ Gold Modular
Case
Rosewill Defender
Cooling
Stock CPU, Four 120mm case fans, PCH fan added
Keyboard
Logitech EX100 Y-RBH94 Wireless
Mouse
Logitech EX100 M-RCE95 Wireless
Internet Speed
3.0/1.5 Mbs
Antivirus
Microsoft Security Essentials
Browser
Microsoft Internet Explorer 11
Other Info
Antec Veris Premier-Multimedia IR Station,
Cyber Accoustics-3602 Speakers,
AFT XM-5U Card Reader,
Hauppauge TV-HVR-2250,
Sony LX300 USB Turntable
Another point of view.... it serves well as a simple (low overhead/small size) warning indicator. If the system is idle and it does light up in a steady or somewhat constant fashion then more investigation using better tools may be warranted. Similar to having a dumb disk activity indicator that never turns off. Would you also argue that it is not needed as well?
My Computer
OS
XP Pro & Vista Home Premium (x86); Windows Ultimate 7600 x64 Retail