php + mysql sucks?!

Getting a mysql connection in PHP takes 5 seconds. That's totally unacceptable. Why?

BUT: today, the system being unchanged, it all worked in <1 second instead! Weird...

I use PWS (IIS4) + NT 4 WS + PHP3.

probably some VERY wrong settings?
maybe it's NT that ****s up? i've been using php3+mysql under linux for ages and never had any speed complaints...

I've found the pattern now; when the computer is offline, the MySQL connection takes 5 seconds. When it's dialed-up to the internet the connection goes rocket fast! REAL weird...

Anyone got ideas? I'm confused.

Probably wrong setup of your DNS (see chapter 4.12.4 in the MySQL-manual). Try 127.0.0.1 instead of localhost.

maybe you have something like "auto detect proxy settings" turned on? i just installed win2k and found that that option was on by default, which made it slow even if you connect to your local host...
look at your internet settings or so (dont know what it is called in NT4)
goodluck URL nico

Thanks all, it was the DNS that caused the problem. I replaced all full name server requests with 127.0.0.1. It feels like something is not working right, but since both LAN, internet and everything on the local web server except PHP pages including MySQL access works great I'll leave it..