[ubuntu-za] localhost - unable to access

[Robert Holm]

Since installing Feisty beta I am unable to access localhost.
If, for instance, to use the dictionary, I enter:

rob at ubuntu:~$ dict -v definition - I get the reply
Configuration file:
   server localhost
Cannot connect to any servers

All the entries in Network Connection appear to be correct.
When I try to ping localhost or 127.0.0.1 in Network Tools
I get no response at all. If I ping http://127.0.0.1 the
response is "address cannot be found".
Using "Whois" on 127.0.0.1 gives the reply: "Unknown AS number
or IP network. Please upgrade this program".

(In any case I am not sure whether I am doing any of this
correctly).

If I use the gui on the applications menu I get the same result.

Does anyone have any ideas on how I can track down the problem?

Regards

Robert H