TKS FOR ALL THE INPUT. I THINK I'LL LOOK INTO ROUTER THING. I HAVE SEVERAL MONTHS LEFT ON NORTON LIVE UPDATE SUBSCRIPTION SO I'LL KEEP IT FOR A WHILE. I AM NOW DISABLING INTERNET CONNECTION VIA 'CONTROL PANEL' EXCEPT WHEN I'M ACTUALLY ON THE NET. THIS SEEMS TO RESPOND ALMOST INSTANTLY WHERE UNPOWERING MODEM TAKES A FEW MINUTES SOMETIMES. THIS ALSO ASSURES THAT NORTON PROGRAM IS FULLY LOADED AND RUNNING AT STARTUP BEFORE ANY INTERNET CONNECTIONS ARE ENABLED. I GOOGLED BLACKICE DEFENDER. IT IS ABOUT HALF THE COST OF NORTON INTERNET SECURITY AND A-VIRUS.