yay, I seem to be back in business... Nikola just "hung up" (unknown reasons), and while trying to figure what had happened I found Marie had no internet connection. Rebooted mode - no joy. Called my provider's helpdesk - no network problem; they tested my modem, and could reach it. The helpdesk guy spent may 45 minutes with me trying all sorts of tests and the final conclusion was that probably my network switch had gone into coma. Off to the shop to get a new switch (They allowed me to try it out and bring it back if it didn't solve things.) Replugged everything into the new switch, rebooted everything, and now it works! #PHEW All of that, when the first symptoms are that wireless mouse and keyboard no longer work...