as i didn't get any replies to my query about setting-up my netcom modem, i did some reasearch in the web.  i am very relieved that i finally got it going after many trials and errors.  one of the more interesting experiements was changing its mtu as advised by http://www.howtonetworking.com/VPN/mtu4.htm

i finally settled for 1462 and, i can see that the data rate jumped from 1900 to 5600 kpbs!  i am not tech-savvy enough to understand its signifiance but i could feel that the internet is faster!

am i justified to feel happy?  btw, do i have to update my local machine's registry as mentioned in that site?

cheers, guru.