Connection problems with peoplepc

I recently downloaded a new "improved" connection program from peoplepc and have had nothing but problems.

(1) 4 out of five times my computer freezes at the connection screen and I have to power off to restart,
(2) None of my security programs (Microsoft antispyware, Solo antivirus, AntiVir XP, SpywareBlaster, Spyware Guard, AdAware SE, SpyBot SD, BHO Demon, Stinger Antivir, CCleaner) can recognize the connection in order to update them.
(3) the only way I can disconnect from the internet is to power down,
(4) when I follow peoplepc's tech support advice and try to redownload the update, I get kicked to the connection screen and the computer locks up and I have to powerdown to restart.
(5) I cannot connect to many of my favorite sites including Microsoft.

None of these problems existed before my download or the new connection software.

I have talked to and emailed peoplepc tech support and found them to be dismissive and completely unhelpful--and wasted almost 30 hrs on this.

I have run all security programs and found no virus, spyware, adware or any other problems.

I have turned off all security programs and firewalls; none of the problems were affected.

I am running Windows 2000 sp6, PIII, 256Ram, 40G HD Compaq Presario.

Any ideas on how to fix this and/or recommendations on other ISPs.

It ain't cheap if it don't work.

 

I have the same problem...I did finally get the people pc tech to hook me up with a temp dial up which does not open my ie but dials my modem...
and gets me online however when I boot in safe mode I have no access to the internet period. They wont even address my request to get me back to the previous version that worked - I even tried a restore to a previous date with no success.

Sooooo I believe at this point people pc has left me no choice but to resort to a complete removal of their software. But not until I find another ISP