In the [InetWD] section I found “AlwaysConnected Seconds”. I don’t have DSL, only a slow 28.8 dial-up (28.8 because of the phone line). I added the line “AlwaysConnectedWaitSeconds=60” anyway but it had no effect. Is there a similar command for “NotAlwaysConnected”?

Your Avast4.ini post is a gold mine of info. Thanks a lot.

I agree a router and software firewalls should be used and when/if I get DSL I will do that.