Note:
If you leave the VPN connection up _all_ your traffic outside your local LAN, such as internet traffic, will be routed via the VPN link to the e-smith server and back out again.
If you want to leave the VPN link up and still have normal internet access:
Start, Settings, Network and Dial-up connections, 'Your VPN Name' (right click it), Properties.
Networking tab, Internet Protocol, Properties, Advanced, uncheck 'Use default gateway on remote network'
Sean