I'm (finally) on the internet with fedora linux. But now I need some help.

In order to get on the internet I need to enter network settings and activate the connection in order to use a program like mozilla.

Is there any way of enabling programs to auto connect or preferably a connection dialog box to pop up like in windows.

Also does anyone know of a way that an icon of some description could be placed on the taskbar whenever the computer connects to the internet, like in windows.

These may seem like spurious question, but this computer is a dialup, so I need to know exactly when it is on the net, otherwise the phone bill will rocket!!!!!