Internet Connection Status

[Auriga]

Can someone please explain if the following is correct-

Within the last week I've noticed that both the Internet Connection Status and Local Area Connection Status dialog boxes show that about 9,000 bytes per second is sent and approx two thirds of that, i.e. about 6,000 bytes per second is being received.

My question is: what is causing this when I'm not downloading or sending anything and is this condition okay? I am connected to the Internet via a WAG54G Linksys Gateway.

Thanks

[CurlingSteve]

Are you sure you're seeing bytes/sec?

My status displays show packets sent and packets received.

There will be activity even when you aren't browsing.

Applications looking for updates will add to the traffic count.

[mikex]

I think curlingsteve hit it. That is not how much is being sent per sec, but how much has been sent. My speed is listed as 100 Mbps no fluctuation. But that is not a "true speed".

M

[Dragon]

There will be activity even when you aren't browsing.

Applications looking for updates will add to the traffic count.

forgot to mention that sometimes the activity light will blink with bots and hackers tryignto access your comp. that is why a good AV and Firewall are important to have on your system.

PS windows xp firewall, is not a good firewall as it only stops incoming traffic not outgoing, so if you already got infected with something that send info out to its owner, it is sending the info out.