Eric, This isn't properly part of the Listowners' forum, so I think we should pursue further discussion privately, but I am obviously woefully ignorant on how the Net functions. I have simply had NO connectivity problems with European (Australian, Asian) www sites. They come up in a matter of seconds. I do much of my research in European academic sites, and accessing them is like making a long distance call that gives the illusion of being next door. It's not that my local provider is slow; those distant connections are fast! Can you suggest some literature I could study to help me understand the problems you mention. Thanks, Ingrid [log in to unmask] & [log in to unmask]