This is some pretty techy stuff. If you don't know what "pinging" means then you don't need to read this page. If you are interested in the "ping utility" then here are the instructions for Windows 2000. It is a little different with Windows 2000. The regular start -> run -> ping [url] works as usual. The alternative route to the command prompt is slightly different. It's start -> programs -> ACCESSORIES -> command prompt. Screen shots below if needed.