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)