# When my computer idles, something is downloading

**URL:** <https://boards.straightdope.com/t/when-my-computer-idles-something-is-downloading/217541>\
**Category:** Factual Questions\
**Created:** [December 7, 2003, 1:25pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/when-my-computer-idles-something-is-downloading/217541 "2003-12-07T13:25:47Z")\
**Posts on this page:** 4\
**Page:** 1

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**Author:** ![Beastal](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/a183cd/32.png) [@Beastal](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Beastal)\
**Post date:** [December 7, 2003, 1:25pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/when-my-computer-idles-something-is-downloading/217541/1 "2003-12-07T13:25:47Z")

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When my computer is idling, as in, I have closed all web browsers, all internet related programs… just staring at my desktop with no other programs running… I am maintaining a steady 4-4.5kps download rate on my 56k modem.

I have tried downloading anti-spyware programs, but it’s not detecting anything.

What could it be, and how do I stop it?

Thanks.

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**Author:** ![Early\_Out](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/e/6f9a4e/32.png) [@Early\_Out](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Early_Out)\
**Post date:** [December 7, 2003, 3:25pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/when-my-computer-idles-something-is-downloading/217541/2 "2003-12-07T15:25:25Z")

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Do you have automatic Windows updating turned on? Could it be your antivirus program doing an update? Could it be your ISP downloading updates for its software? Does your ISP’s software try to achieve the illusion of greater speed by anticipating what you’re going to look for next, and caching pages? Of course, most of these would do their bit, and then stop (though the Windows update, if you haven’t kept up with it, could take an ungodly long time).

I’d recommend getting a simple firewall program, like ZoneAlarm (it’s free), so you can at least decide whether programs have access or not.

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**Author:** ![Revtim](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/revtim/32/1042_2.png) [@Revtim](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Revtim)\
**Post date:** [December 7, 2003, 3:46pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/when-my-computer-idles-something-is-downloading/217541/3 "2003-12-07T15:46:02Z")

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I agree with the ZoneAlarm suggestion. It will block any program from accessing the internet until you give it permission to do so.

> **[PC and Mobile Security Software](https://www.zonealarm.com)**
>
> Secure your PC and mobile with the most protective, real-time security software and mobile apps.

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**Author:** ![bbeaty](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/c0e974/32.png) [@bbeaty](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/bbeaty)\
**Post date:** [December 8, 2003, 12:04am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/when-my-computer-idles-something-is-downloading/217541/4 "2003-12-08T00:04:35Z")

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> [@](#):
>
> \*Originally posted by Beastal \*  
> \*\*When my computer is idling, as in, I have closed all web browsers, all internet related programs… just staring at my desktop with no other programs running… I am maintaining a steady 4-4.5kps download rate on my 56k modem.
> 
> I have tried downloading anti-spyware programs, but it’s not detecting anything.  
> \*\*

Virus scanner up to date? It could be an email virus doing a DOS attack, or sending itself to everyone listed in your address book and internet cache.