Randomly Can't Connect

[itaitashii]

I have had this persisting problem for nearly a month now.  I have been putting up with it until now but i cant stand it any more. 
at least once daily, i will be surfing the web, having no problems at all, then suddenly i will click a link, and it will not connect to the website.  I then knowing it has happened again, i immediately go to Google, and it cant connect with it either.  I can get any site at all.  If I run vistas "diagnose and repair" it tells me either its a problem with the DNS or that it tried to connect with Microsoft.com but could not.  it wont let me go to any new website, or refresh old sites, but i am still connected on my AIM.  The problem is immediately resolved when I restart my computer...  Any idea on what is going on and how to fix this?

[Broni]

What type of connection is it, and how the computer is connected to the internet (modem, modem + router)?

[itaitashii]

I have it connected via local area and wireless.  There are 6 computers/laptops hooked up to the internet, and mine is the only one with this problem...

[Broni]

What Windows version? What browser, version? Did you try another browser?

[itaitashii]

windows vista, Firefox, it cant connect to analyze the problem, so I donut think its a browser issue.  For some reason, internet explorer is increadibly slow.  It takes about 5 minutes just to open on this computer...

[Broni]

IE works, but very slow? Firefox doesn't work at all?
What type of connection is it?
Did you try to reset modem/router?
Did you try to hardwire your computer to the router, or even better, straight to the modem?

[itaitashii]

Firefox works fine but then randomly internet doesn't work at all until I restart.  Its just a sudden problem.  Im using the computer to ask about the problem.

[Broni]

I asked few more questions...

[itaitashii]

it has both a wireless and a local area.  i have reset the router, i haven't  hardwired it to the modem.  ill try that next time the problem comes up

[Broni]

Please, do.
Remember, that the best way to reset modem/router is to unplug it from power source for 30 sec.
Is it broadband?
Do the other computers use torrents, and other P2P programs a lot?

[itaitashii]

my little brother uses lime wire on his, and I use torrents sometimes on this one

[Broni]

Is it broadband?
What about 4 other computers? No P2P?

[itaitashii]

no p2p on the rest.  Im using roadrunner

[Broni]

You can try this:
Download, and install TCP Optimizer: http://www.speedguide.net/downloads.php
Open it, and put a checkmark in Optimal Settings. Click Apply changes button.

If same situation happens again, try hardwire.

[itaitashii]

thank you