your modem is tying up the phone. If you spend a lot of time logged in, look into getting a second phone line for the modem. A second residential line isn't very expensive and can improve your domestic harmony significantly. It will also prevent those nasty download interruptions that happen when someone else in the house picks up the phone.

Huge phone bills for long-distance modem calls are a major Netiquette no-no unless you pay them yourself. Try to use local access numbers; depending on your type of phone service, these are often a free call.

Finally, if the people you live with are driving you crazy -- whether they're your roommates, your parents, your siblings, your spouse, or your significant other -- check out the USENET newsgroup alt.flame.roommate. It's guaranteed to bring a nasty smile to the most jaded face.