How can I stop my computer from automatically disconnecting from the internet when it sits idle for a few minutes. I am trying to download virus protection and have to sit here an stay online or it will automatically disconnect. Can someone help?

What kind of internet connection do you have?
Also I've heard that a power saving setting on the network card could be at fault sometimes: How to disable power management for a network adapter when you deploy Windows XP (http://support.microsoft.com/kb/837058)

It should be as simple as a power-management change! I completely agree with NeedKarma! I won't tell you how cause NeedKarma included a link that is sufficient!