7.10 --> Update [199 items] --> reboot --> "network connectivity lost"

Any fixes for this?

I had not internet connectivity to my MiniPC until I swapped the USB and
Ethernet connectors.
The router is a Comcast ARRIS Cable Modem -- it works fine for my PC
(Vista).

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Other problems
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Logging into a user account takes 3x longer with the patches in place.
Turning off services makes little if any difference.
Behavior otherwise can be sluggish.

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Error logs
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All I get inthe /var/log/daemon.log are persistent errors with text:

No DHCPOFFERS recived.
No working leases in permanent database.
DCHPDISCOVER on ethX to 255.255.255.255 // X = 1 or 0

One oddball:
In vaInINinInrtwrt twert AllMar ... No DHCPOFFERS recived