My first post (Internet connection upon startup) seems to have stirred little interest or perhaps no one has an answer. But something very suspicious is occurring in my Linux Mint 2.1 installation, and I DON'T LIKE IT!! Here is what is occurring:
Beyond what was stated in my first post, I now know that starting almost ANY Gnome application initiates the opening of an internet connection (to where?) and the transmission of data of some sort or other
This happens, for example, when starting Nautilus, gedit, Gnome Control Center, the menu layout editor (alacarte), and others.
I have downloaded the simple editor mousepad, and see there: no internet connection is opened when mousepad starts!
When I turn off my router, starting any of the Gnome applications mentioned (and those not mentioned that open internet connections) takes about 24 seconds and longer before their GUI appears on the screen -- apparently the opening of an internet connection is being attempted, and this eventually times-out, whereupon the application GUI finally appears.
I view this as a grave security threat and want to know just what the hell is going on here, how can I prevent it from occurring and who else among you is having this problem
Thanks in advance,
-- Dr.U
This is really driving me crazy. Even if it isn't a security risk (and I sure hope it isn't!) each dial out costs me money!! And if the router is turned off, Linux Mint is essentially useless because all Gnome applications take so long to start (>25 seconds). 
I completely removed NetworkManager and rebooted (it no longer appears in "ps -efH" or sessions or anywhere -- it's history, man). But now upon booting, same problem as always, and when any Gnome application is started: same problem as always -- an internet connection is opened and data is transferred to/from my computer!
