Random internet crap outs.

[Andrew]

Well, this has been a problem which has been plaguing me for a long time. I have this internet problem where if I don't do any internet activity, I get disconnected from AIM or mIRC. In order to stay connected to them, I have to be doing something like surfing the web. It's a huge annoyance because I have to be constantly active. Any idea?

[x42bn6]

Some programs should have a timeout option and you can set it higher.*

[Andrew]

How long of a timeout? Sometimes it only takes a matter of thirty seconds. Know how to change it?

It also happens with downloads if I walk away.

[x42bn6]

I have no idea - it depends on the applications. I don't have AIM nor mIRC, so you have to find it yourself.

Or it could be an ISP thing, or even an Internet filter that disconnects to save money on dialup connections.*

[Andrew]

My friend has the same ISP, and it never happens to her. Do you think there is some sort of spyware or something which is causing the problem?

[x42bn6]

Maybe, maybe not. It's kind of hard to say. It could also be moody routers or modems.*

[Andrew]

Would it be a hardware problem with the router? If it's software issue, I definitely want to find out what it is.

[Dragnskull]

if im not mistaken theres an option to disconnect from the net if idle for x amount of time...

but i think that was back in the day when i used AOL...and that was a long...long time ago