if his ISP uses DHCP there is no password authentication. When i reformat with XP, i dont have to install any DSL software/nic software as XP already knows about that stuff and configures my 'puter to the correct settings. I dont have to do any authentication as its either built into the dsl modem, or something like that, who knows :0 all i know is i dont have to do anything to get online smile i am always on, 24/7/365.