Internet won't automatically connect

Hi,

I bought my mom (80yrs old) an Inspiron 530 with Vista Premium.  She has ATT DSL and a 2Wire router(?).  When she turns it on it doesn't automatically connect to the internet.  I figured out if the world isn't showing on the internet computers down in the right task bar she has to right click it and select connect.  I use XP so Vista is new to me.  Is there a setting or something I can put in the start up programs so it will connect right away?  I talked to her and I'm not sure if she's still having problems getting on with using the right click to connect or she's not doing it right. 

More info.....She's been talking to ATT a lot.  They're sending splitters or filters?  The last ATT lady said she has to put these filters on each of her phone lines?  And that will let her connect.  The ATT lady said she's getting on the internet through a wireless neighbor.... I don't think so!  Her computer doesn't have wireless.  What's ATT talking about?

Another problem she has with the internet (I'll ask here, cause I'm already here and don't know what forum to ask it in) is with her hotmail account.  She can't get in, even with her old computer she had this problem.  I think it was when windows changed to the LIVE thing.  We click on her hotmail link and it says something about cookies.  Then if I click the link again it sometimes comes up.  Anyone know about this situation?  I searched Dell Forum for hotmail & cookies and found one from 2005 and will try it the next time I go over.

Christine

Dimension E520 Desktop
MS Media Center Edition 2005 - Current
Intel Core 2 Duo processor E6300
2GB dual-channel DDR2 SDRAM
Integrated Audio - SigmaTel High Def
Video - NVIDIA GeForce 7300 LE
320GB HD
D: is Philips DVD-Rom DROM6316
E: is NEC DVD+-RW ND-3650A
Monitor is E207WFP

Inspiron 6000
Win XP sp2 - Current
Intel Pentium M 730 (1.6ghz/2MB)
Accelerator 900 Graphics
80GB HD
Phillips DVD+-RW SDVD8820
Intel PRO/wireless 2200

Inspiron 1501
Win XP MCE
2gb AMD Turion 64
1GB DDR2 533MHz 2 Dimm
Phillips DVD+-RW SDVD8820


Comcast Cable Modem to Alpha Shield firewall to Netgear Router. Wireless to Inspiron 6000 & 1501 and wire to Dim E520.