Last night after around 12 midnight I could not connect to the net. I tried logging in as different users and even as root using lynx. I simply could not connect to any host. Tried pinging different ip's, traceroute and no result, as if someone had pulled the wire out of my box. It all started with not being able to connect to the yahoo mail servers.
This morning after restarting the cable modem I get connectivity to the net, but still can not connect to yahoo mail. Has anyone else had this problem? I have had missing mail that has not shown up in my yahoo mail. If this continues, I'll probably switch to some other mail service provider. I do not have a mail server at home. Can anyone recommend a mail service provider?

Who is your provider? Have you tried contacting them? It may well be that the problem isn't with you but with them.

Speaking as an NTL customer.......