1) What is TalkTalk Labs Desktop?

TalkTalk Labs Desktop is a tool which allows us to gather metrics on the performance of broadband lines to help monitor our network from an end-user perspective and in particular to monitor the success of trials of new products and services.

We also TalkTalk Labs Desktop as a software delivery tool (e.g. for new installation / setup utilties) for those participating in trials of new products or services. Information about new software is provided via an update notification window and new software is not installed without your approval.

Installation requires a TalkTalk Labs account. TalkTalk Labs Desktop is a stand alone tool that can be shutdown at any time via its icon on the taskbar or easily uninstalled via the Add/Remove Programs option in the Control Panel. It does not modify any system settings during installation.

2) What does TalkTalk Labs Desktop do?

TalkTalk Labs Desktop runs in the background and performs automated network performance tests at intervals throughout the day to monitor the real world performance of your Broadband service.

It is designed to be as unobtrusive as possible - all tests are limited in duration and take no more than about 30 seconds to perform. The application icon indicates it is active for the brief duration a test is in progress.

The results of these speed tests - along with some basic information about your PC (e.g. CPU, RAM, operating system version) - are reported to TalkTalk Labs servers and used to monitor the impact of new products and services on your Broadband service.

TalkTalk Labs Desktop does not in any way monitor or record which applications you are using or any content you access.

3) What operating systems are supported?

TalkTalk Labs Desktop will work on Microsoft Windows XP, Windows Vista and Windows 7. A version for Mac OS X is planned for some point in the future.

4) Can I install the software on multiple computers?

Yes, if you have more than one computer that connects to the Internet then you can install on TalkTalk Labs Desktop on as many machines as you like.

5) How do I uninstall it?

If you wish to stop it temporarily you can exit the application by right-clicking the icon in the system tray and selecting Exit.

To uninstall it completely use the Uninstall option in the TalkTalk Labs Desktop folder in the Start menu.

6) What are the current known issues?

Currently there are no known issues. If you have any issues please contact us at feedback@talktalk-labs.com and include as much of the following information as possible:

• The operating system you were running.
• The phone number of the line your Broadband connection is installed on.
• A description of the issue, including any error messages encountered.

7) How can I provide feedback?

We appreciate any and all feedback so we can improve the software that we provide to our customers. You can contact us by email at feedback@talktalk-labs.com.

8) What information is reported back?

TalkTalk Labs Desktop reports back only information specifically relevant to evaluating your connection and as required to support the application (e.g. your computers hardware specifications). This includes:

• The currently installed operating system version (and any installed service packs)
• Processor make and model
• Amount of main system memory (RAM)
• Current screen resolution
• Connection method being used (e.g. wireless or ethernet cable)
• Connection speed and ping test results (reported back periodically throughout the day)