shell accounts /private servers

my problem is such . i am currently active in 2 private sites ,on one site i do not ping out {time out], but on the other when i am idleling i ping out at about 8 minute intervals .this is very frustrating not to say the least for all involed to say the least.i have been told by adm on this site i need to use a shell account on a private sever .and that is my prob ,what is a shell account and how do they work .please dont laughe i am only new to pc’s any help or sugestions would be greatly appreciated . i am useing xp pro,mirc on irc .thx konvou