How to check what is passing through network

[JP]

I use my laptop, with its Wireless-G card, with the free Wi-Fi service in
the local public library for Internet access.

Lately I have noticed that the outgoing data quanta greatly exceeds that
coming in. Even when merely websurfing, the connections properties reports
that (for example) 30,000 packets were sent out vs. 25,000 packets received.

I wonder what my laptop is sending out? Is there a way to check and/or stop
it?

There is no file-sharing software on this unit. Free Download Manager was
installed but it was removed to check whether it was clandestinely working
in the background. However that turned out to be not so.

Any insights would be greatly appreciated.

Regards and thanks in anticipation.

JP
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[Jim Wood]

You migt try "Wireshark." It's freeware, available I think from
www.wireshark.org. I was talked through its installation and use by another
guy at work when we were looking for bugs in IP protocols on one of our
company's products that connects to the Internet. I have not used Wireshark
by myself, but when I was being talked through it, I could easily see
everything going out and coming in over my wireless connection... including
passwords, etc. Scary!

 

[Jack \(MVP-Networking\).]

Hi
This free Utility from Microsoft might help in finding rouge connections out
(if any).
http://www.microsoft.com/technet/sysinternals/Utilities/TcpView.mspx
Jack (MVP-Networking).

 

[JP]

I use my laptop, with its Wireless-G card, with the free Wi-Fi service in
the local public library for Internet access.

Lately I have noticed that the outgoing data quanta greatly exceeds that
coming in. Even when merely websurfing, the connections properties reports
that (for example) 30,000 packets were sent out vs. 25,000 packets
received.

I wonder what my laptop is sending out? Is there a way to check and/or
stop
it?

There is no file-sharing software on this unit. Free Download Manager was
installed but it was removed to check whether it was clandestinely working
in the background. However that turned out to be not so.

Any insights would be greatly appreciated.

Regards and thanks in anticipation.

JP
---

Thanks for the helpful responses. I shal try out the suggestions as soon as
I can!

Everybody have a very nice day!

JP
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