A new gadget that is intended to help users monitor their broadband usage has been launched by ICUK.

Designed for use with Microsoft Windows 7 and Windows Vista, the device will sit on the sidebar once it has been installed and configured.

Free to download, the Broadband Usage Gadget for Windows isn't currently compatible with other operating systems.

Explaining the gadget on its official website, ICUK noted that it allows users to "view current ICUK ADSL or SDSL download data transfer usage for [their] connection".

The broadband provider also said that it will refresh automatically every half an hour so that it provides up-to-date information regarding an internet connection.

As such, this makes the Broadband Usage Gadget "ideal for spotting unusual traffic" and ensuring that users do not exceed their monthly allocation.