Windows Tip: Stop ISP Disconnect

You're surfing for cheap tickets to Mexico and you only have five seconds to enter your bid. You run for the calendar, but when you return to your PC you're disconnected from the Net. No trip to Mexico for you. 


If you find that your dial-up often disconnects when you leave your PC, try changing the idle time. 


Here's how: 


In the Start menu, open Settings > Control Panel.
Press Internet Options.
Click the Connection tab.
Press the Setting button.
Press Advanced.
Uncheck the box next to "disconnected if idle for (blank) minutes."

Your ISP shouldn't disconnect you again without your permission. The only way this won't work is if your ISP is doing the disconnecting. Many ISPs will boot you off for an idle connection whether you want them to or not. 


If your ISP is still kicking you off-line, StayCon is a free and quick way to stay online without having to download and install a new utility. Here's how it works: 



Visit StayCon's website. Keep this browser window open.
Launch a new browser window to surf the Net, check your email, and so on.