My moms internet shuts down when the computer is idle for a while - any idea what could be causing this? Is this likely a hardware or a software problem. The internet comes back on after a reboot without any issues. After she started having the problem I disabled/uninstalled like 25 programs that she has no need for (where does she get these I swear). That has not seemed to fix the issue.

check the nics power properties. Disable letting the system save power [sleep] this device. Imagine the power if you knew how to internet search

I will try that thank you. I finally saw first hand the internet shutting down. A message pops up saying an internet cable has come unplugged. I can get it started by unplugging and pluggni the card back in (this is a laptop). Ive been telling her I think it is a hardware problem because customs dropped her computer and the area where you plug in cards is slightly damaged. Im sort of convinced it is a hardware issue but I will try what you suggested for sure - do you have any idea where I can change these power settings? Ill look around to see if I can find them - thanks a TON for the reply!