Number 2 might be the simplest to deal with. Windows uses the settings within Internet Explorer (even if you use a totally different browser) when programs try to connect to the internet. Any decent ISP should tell you that, with broadband access, it's essential to configure Internet Explorer so that it doesn't try to use a dial-up connection but (unsurprisingly?) most ISPs don't!
Open Internet Explorer.
Click on Tools > Internet Options > Connections.
Click to place a tick alongside 'Never dial a connection'.
Click 'Apply'.
Click 'OK'
Chris