How Do I Monitor My Internet Usage?

Internet usage can be monitored in several ways, and is primarily employed by businesses through software such as Webspy and Spector Soft to track network activity and to reduce the amount of threat to the system from viruses and hackers. These do so by recording log times and available web sites on a network, as well as creating logs of the uses of the internet at a given time by users. Additionally, IT managers can reduce bandwith waste, as well as complying with regulations relating to the freedom of information, and are obliged to provide an audit trail when investigating possible flaws in a network. For personal home use, individuals can buy software such as Down2Home or Controll, which records and informs you when you are close to or exceeding a monthly bandwith limit. However, they can also use similar professional software as businesses to track email accounts, IM conversations and web site visits, making it a controversial tool if not used openly.