Dunce takes over for you. It automates the DUN, so if you launch the application, it brings up the DUN dialogue, connects to the Internet, and on a disconnect or engaged tone, tries again. It minimizes the connection dialogue, and puts a tidy pink icon on your tray to let you know it is working. It can be set to automatically dial the Internet at set times, and run up to four programmes. So for example you can programme it to check your mail with Eudora every hour, check Usenet every two hours, and so on.
Dunce is freeware.
This includes features like defining a different connection for each application, so you can set MSN for browsing, a local ISP for mail, and another for business mail. It also pings the server to keep you online. Dunce makes only a small difference, in its way. But it makes life easier and using the computer for Internet work and play becomes quicker and less irritating.