<BLOCKQUOTE><font size="1" face="Tahoma, Verdana, Arial">quote:</font><HR>just curious, why would XP give "unspeakable" pings?<HR></BLOCKQUOTE>

You tell me since no one else can. As fas as I know, since getting AOL DSL, and connecting through Windows XP, theres been nothing but troubles. And strangely - most has been XP in origin.

1.) Connectivity. The first few weeks I had this service, I was getting CONTINUALLY dropped of off my signal, because XP kept on reporting an unplugged network cable (I was using a USB modem). XP apperantly doesn't work well with USB devices, and was looking for a Network Card, when it should have been looking for the modem. I got a WESTELL, problem solved - or so it would seem.

2.) I got this game, MOH - tried to connect. Nasty ass ping. Im talking "a*ss-raping" pings in the 500-999 range. Unacceptable for someone supposedly running DSL. Called AOL; first guy told me I had a "High-Speed" connection, so I would be getting a "High-Ping". Fine. Do some research, find the opposite. Have techs come out to check the line. They remove a bridge-tap thats on the line. Doesn't do anything. One day, I switch over to my hard-drive with ME on it. For giggles I run MOH to pass the time. Smooth (well not incredibly, but better - other games run perfect however). Back on to XP - same deal, high ping in MOH - connectivity issues in RTCW. 2000 ping in HALF LIFE.

So, just led me to the conclusion that either my settings were all fuqqed in XP, or that XP just doesn't work well with broadband software.

mazel tov