How to disable background services from automatically accessing online?

Hi

Am using XP SP2.

Have BSNL Broadband connection with limited plan of 1.5GB/mnth. I am sure that i have not downloaded much in day time (free download in night) due to limited plan. But suddenly when i checked my acct usage, i stood aghast that i have crossed my limit. Wen i saw the download details, it shows some downloads which are not done my me. I guess it is some background services (eg MS-Office update etc) which are running in the background and update themselves. Automatic Updates is turned off right from the begninning. How do i prevent MS Office, Mediaplayer appl from accessing the web automatically and run updates in the BG (even if am online). Please help me out.

If am not clear in this question, pls let me know, will provide necessary details

Many thanks to you

I think i dont have to worry about any spyware, malware, as i have the latest "Kaspersky" antivirus installed in my system.

Please advise.

First off u must understand the meaning of upload/download
for ur service. It is just transfer of any data from/to the computer
w.r.t internet.

Even opening e-mail, web page, or refreshing a webpage is taken as a download of data as the info comes from internet.
And when u send e-mail or any registering form etc it is taken as a upload.
U will be charged for all this.

As for blocking unauthorized access by applications u must setup a firewall and a antivirus

For free ware use AVG antivirus it is good
http://www.grisoft.com/

For firewall u can use ZoneAlarm it is good one
http://www.download.com/ZoneAlarm-Firewa...

Note : install AV first before firewall.

I would recommend a good firewall (not the one built in to WIndows)
A firewall can be configured to not only block outside programs from coming in, but can also block internal programs from accessing the internet.

..use zone Alarm..it filters all the internet access and all application behaviors., try it., ull love it..,