10.3.2000
Stop dialing into the Internet! Wait, I'm not talking to you -- I'm talking to my applications. Some users choose to read mail and Web pages offline (to save money on connection charges). However, not everyone turns of auto dialing functionality. If you're using IE5, open 'Tools,' 'Internet Options,' then go to the 'Connections' tab. Now, tell it to 'Never dial a connection.' You're not done yet -- open up My Computer and get to the Dial-Up Networking folder. Select 'Settings' from the 'Connections' menu; in that dialog box, select 'Don't prompt to use Dial-Up Networking.' If all else fails, change your e-mail account settings to 'LAN' instead of dial-up within your default mail application. Yes, this tip has been explained before, but how quickly we forget.