UNOLS Satellite and Network Advisory Group

This page is read only. You can view the source, but not change it. Ask your administrator if you think this is wrong.
Getting the most out of your MegaBytes
Last updated on Wednesday, 04-Oct-2017 12:06:20 UTC
This page includes tips on ways to restrict your devices data usage

  * On Chrome load the data saver extension
  * In Opera enabled the Turbo mode
  * Use “mobile” versions of popular sites (i.e. http://m.facebook.com)
  * Advanced users can set proxy to localhost (127.0.0.1) as a black hole and allow websites as required.

====== Microsoft Windows ======

  * Disable wifi when you are not using it
  * Prior to leaving port you can download & purchase software like NetLimiter or NetBalancer or TMeter which will allow you to monitor and block network/internet connections.
  * Prior to leaving port check out these browser recommendations such as Ublock Origin or Adblock Plus as well as an image blocking extension/add-on, advanced users may want to try uMatrix.
  * Disable Dropbox, Weather Bug and any other resident service that shows up in your taskbar.
  * Disable Windows updates by browsing to Control Panel > System and Security > Windows Update > Change settings to change to Ask before downloading
  * Disable antivirus automatic updates (varies by provider)
  * Windows10: While connected to wireless, Settings app > Network & Internet > Wi-Fi > Advanced Options > Enable the “Set as Metered Connection” slider here
  * Windows10: Start > Network & Internet > Data Usage
  * Windows10: Update & Security > Windows Update > Advanced Options > Choose How Updates are Delivered > disable Windows10: Settings > Disable “Update Apps Automatically”


====== Apple Mac OS ======

  * Disable wifi when you are not using it
  * Prior to leaving port, you can download & purchase software like Private Eye or Little Snitch so you can audit (and block in Little Snitch's case) what software is connecting to the network/internet.
  * Prior to leaving port check out these browser recommendations such as Ublock Origin or Adblock Plus as well as an image blocking extension/add-on, advanced users may want to try uMatrix.
  * Disable Dropbox, iCloud, Weather Bug and any other resident service that shows up in your top bar.
  * Disable App Store automatic updates by bringing up System Preferences > App Store > uncheck Automatically Check for updates
  * Disable antivirus automatic updates (varies by provider)
  * During the cruise, you can use the Network tab in Activity Monitor to view individual program internet usage.

====== Smartphones and Tablets ======

===== Apple iOS =====

  * Disable wifi when you are not using it
  * Prior to leaving port download monitoring app like DataMan Next, smartsapp, etc.
  * Prior to leaving port consider lightweight browsers like Opera Mini or Text Browser<\li>
  * Keep apps closed, as some will actively try and update/download when they are open.
  * Settings > iTunes & app store > Disable non-essential apps (make sure not in low power mode to access option)
  * Settings > general > Disable background refresh
  * Settings > iCloud > disable icloud for non-essential updates (specifically pictures and drive) OR settings > user > iCloud > disable non-essential apps
  * Settings > podcasts > disable podcast downloads
  * Settings > news > disable podcast downloads
  * Settings > Mail > accounts > Disable fetch new data
  * Settings > Mail > disable Load Remote Images
  * Settings > Messages > Low Quality Image Mode (for iMessage)
  * Chrome > Settings > Data Saver
  * Facebook - Disable videos autoplay: More > Settings > Account Settings > Videos and Photos > Video Settings > Auto-play > Never Auto-plays Videos
  * Twitter - Disable videos autoplay: Gear > Settings > Data > Video Autoplay > Never play videos automatically
  * Instagram - Disable videos autoplay: Gear > Mobile Data Use > Use Less Data

==== Android ====

  * Disable wifi when you are not using it
  * Prior to leaving port download monitoring software like My Data Manager or Data Usage Prior to leaving port consider lightweight browsers like Opera Mini or TextOnly
  * Disable autosync: Settings > Accounts > More Settings button in the upper right corner (represented by three dots) > Uncheck Auto-Sync data (Manual sync by tapping the accounts and selecting the module)
  * Settings > Data usage > Data saver
  * Turn on and uncheck non-essential programs
  * For a guide check out this PDF Use Less mobile data with Data Saver from Google. Enable Network Restrictions on "RVIB_NBP" to treat it like cellular data.
  * Settings > Data usage > Network restrictions
  * Settings > Data usage > Wi-Fi data usage > Select app > Disable background data
  * Settings > Data usage > Wi-Fi data usage > Select app > Disable Unrestricted data usage (also enabled by data saver)