(1) I have just got connected to broadband via cable (NTL).
Is there a free prog for continually monitoring connection speeds so I can actually see this.

(2) I have got all my usual AVs In place and also added Nortons Internet security.I have become paranoid about having got caught out a couple of times in the past.

so far I have firewalled the connection, use mailwasher pro,have both norton av and security.
disabled DCOM Is there anything else to do

If you're using Windows XP, try this: (from XP help)

Open Network Connections.
Do one of the following:
To monitor activity for the current session, right-click the connection you want to monitor, and then click Status.

To automatically enable the status monitor each time the connection is active, right-click the connection, click Properties, and then select the Show icon in notification area when connected check box.

I would guess Windows 2000 would be similar. I don't know if there is a similar service in earlier Windows versions.

Thanks Dwight that seems to work OK

For a full range of tests and a forum for broadband users, try this link:

http://www.broadbandreports.com/

qualserve

many thanks, I also found this site myself.
good find