What's downloading in the background?

[YaMoonSun]

So, I downloaded the portable version of NetWorx network monitor, and I closed all my applications and waited with my eyes fixated on the real-time monitor, and every few moment it reports that I'm downloading something at 2KB/s. What do you think that something could be? I'd be a bit more concerned if I saw upload moment on the monitor, but I'm still curious what's going on. :sarc:

 

[RolandJS]

Are some of your programs and utilities set to automatically "call home" and get updates?

 

[Layback Bear]

From you system specs.

Antivirus None

You surly need some security programs installed.
You could have one or many things calling home.

If it was my computer I would do another clean install and install the Windows 7 updates and a anti virus program. Use the built in firewall.
This would be a good starting place.

Jack

 

[YaMoonSun]

Are some of your programs and utilities set to automatically "call home" and get updates?

Not to my knowledge, no. I have all the start-up applications and services disabled, so it's likely a Microsoft application.

 

[YaMoonSun]

From you system specs.

You surly need some security programs installed.
You could have one or many things calling home.

If it was my computer I would do another clean install and install the Windows 7 updates and a anti virus program. Use the built in firewall.
This would be a good starting place.

Jack

I do use the built-in firewall, but anti-virus software is bloatware. I do a malwarebytes scan once in a great while if things seem to be acting out of the ordinary. Was thinking of setting up a PfSense router, but I'm not really in the position to do so at the moment.

 

[Layback Bear]

I have never heard security programs called bloatware but each to their own.

Jack

 

[YaMoonSun]

I have never heard security programs called bloatware but each to their own.

Jack

Well, there's a bit of logic to it. Each year the anti-virus applications demand more and more resources to do the same tasks. Some are even requiring you to register to use their free version now. Others take a solid minute or longer to open without a SSD. Malwarebytes does what it needs to do without being overly demanding. You can even utilize it on XP machines if need be.

 

[RolandJS]

...I have all the start-up applications and services disabled, so it's likely a Microsoft application.

Some of those Windows startups are critical, some are merely important.

 

[YaMoonSun]

Some of those Windows startups are critical, some are merely important.

Indeed, that's why they include the check-box to hide all Microsoft services, then you can disable the other ones that are of no use to you.