Have you looked into Exede? (used to be Wild Blue). Been a Hughesnet customer for years. Held off signing up for the Gen4 to see others' experience, and so glad I didn't as it would have required another 2 year contract. Just starting my own business this month and Hughesnet's being almost non-existent for most weekdays past 10:30AM has finally forced me to look elsewhere. Can't even work here on my webpage, have to do it at Panera Bread.
I don't do alot. Just want a web page to load! Get my mail, which is crucial to receive timely. Very lucky for me, the local Exede installer and office is a local electric co-op, so very small and responsive.
Hughesnet constantly suggesting it's my machine, my local settings. Nope. Runs fine when there's no traffic pile up. Have had discussions with them for 2 weeks. Yesterday their free home visit ("to check my settings") didn't show up and they want me to wait another week. And Hughesnet will only go by the speed tests they provide. As I'm typing this right now, mine are "looking good", but I can't download a blank Google page in less than a minute, and my account page on Hughesnet won't download at all. You can only guess the numbers of those who are trying to log in to get some assistance.
Sorry I can't help you with the software questions. Hope you can try Exede. I love my country home, but almost find myself staying in the room when traveling being once again entranced by high internet speeds at hotel! LOL
Exede coming Monday, and I may throw a party.
Good luck!