Looking at base2_1.tgz I saw that rakefet:/# grep persist /etc/ppp/peers/provider -B2 # Keep Modem up even if connection fails persist rakefet:/# Would not it be better if the persist option be commented out? I did not use ppp for some time now but as far as I remember it take several attempts in order to stop a persistent pppd. There for, having this option might cause the new user more difficulties then help.