thanks a lot, guys! that's tons of info! i couldn't ask for more help. As i say, yes i am using windows for internet at home, because my crappy modem just isn't recognised by linux, and i am no guru, so i can't fix it.
We are probably moving soon anyway, so i'll be selling this laptop before it depreciates too much and buying a proper machine once we get a more permanent place. That's beside the point. The point is, until then i will use windows for any up/downloading.
Again, thanks, i tend to shy away from graphical programs these days as they seem to gloss over the specifics a bit too much for me, i am trying to learn after all! I'll get there!
PS and there's no fucking way i will ever let explorer or iexplore have access to the internet (i have both set to be totally unable to connect in my zonealarm settings...) although i know a guy who swears by IE for ftp, i thought maybe i'd seek alternative advice...
[ May 30, 2002: Message edited by: Calum ]