To keep on top of updates, can you use a faster connection at your local library to download the new version, copy it to a USB stick and then install at home later? This is an option used by a lot of people I know to work around painfully slow connection speeds.

With a slow network connection, using an Add-on such as Flashblock will probably help you a lot (Menu > Add-ons > Search for flashblock. Install Flashblock) by not loading Flash elements until you explicitly click on them. Flash elements are usually quite big and eat up a lot of your connection speed.

Alternative connections to the internet... what about using mobile? Are there data contracts available from your mobile phone provider that will allow you a slightly better connection speed for a manageable price?

Unfortunately with a 31.2kbps connection, you're going to have issues with some web content that is designed around a faster link to the web.

I have used a friends connection to update anti virus,etc....but it isn't an option anymore...I admit,never thought about library,few times I've been in there,computers are in use all the time..no time limits! Where I'm at,my options are satellite,2 point to point companies,($445.00 installation)..no DSL at all,yet the street 200 feet from me has it! Verizon offers mobile hot spot,but they're not very consistent..friend tried hers up here...plus only one offering isn't my service(go figure) I used to get 50 kbps ..had to get a new modem ,(same brand,etc.) and since then,31 is my best. I DID go into Firewall to do make Firefox an exception,and I found 7 seperate exceptions all for "Windows Media Player Network Sharing Service" I DID NOT put them in there. Is it an automatic add thing..I have no idea how they got there.

 I really do appreciate your help,I'm  just in a lousy area when it comes

to catching up to 21st century...but thanks for suggestions..I'll try just about anything

Many restaurants/bars/cafes, often larger chains offer free wifi as well, you can use those too.

Do you have Cable TV? Check your provider if they offer broadband internet over cable.

It's a long shot, but is there a company around your area that offers internet over power lines? This is usually used only for in-house LAN connections but I heard of tests.

There were also experiments with internet over RF.

By the way: sattelite Internet usually still needs an upstream using landlines/mobile, unless you go for a complete(more expensive) down and upstream satellite unit.

Not sure how feasable it is but you could 1) make a wired LAN or (possible best) wireless connection to one of your neighbours you're on good terms with to their fast internet connection (sharing the costs/bandwidth or even having a secondary,separate internet connection made just for you)

2) since better lines are only one street away check with the local companies if/when they decide to connect yours or what it would cost if you tried to expedite the proceedings or other options you may have with them, like a wireless router at their endpoint closest to you. (though I fear you may have very little luck with them, you never know...)