[plug] curious network snag

[Sol]

Hi there,

I've just got my new laptop running and am finally getting around to using it. 
(As a side point, I was surprised at how easy it was to install Debian on my 
Sony Vaio pcgfxa10. I found it easier than installing on my PC.) I was trying 
to reach my mail (IMAP) and kmail couldn't find the mail server. So I checked 
my configuration settings against those on kmail on my PC five time (OCD - 
Obsessive Compulsive Disorder) just to be sure to be sure, and still the same 
problem. So I can receive mail on my PC (which is a gateway to the internet 
via adsl modem) but not on my laptop.

Okay, so I check a few things out:
1. pings - can ping mail.terminus.net.au from PC but not from laptop; can ping 
ftp.uwa.edu.au from both PC and laptop
2. web - can load pages from web on both on PC and laptop BUT cannot get 
www.terminus.net.au from my laptop
3. independent verification - i checked mail (POP from westnet.com.au) on my 
brother's laptop so mail isn't being blocked by the firewall or something 
funny like that.

Is it me?

ta,
sol