Blender 2.71 How to Turn Off Links Between Each Selected Vertex

When I was using Blender a week ago I could select each vertex without a link connecting each of them, how do I stop this. Also, how do I increase the area of influence for proportional edit tool. Thanks in advance.

When I was using Blender a week ago I could select each vertex without a link connecting each of them, how do I stop this
This can mean multiple things. Without any screenshot of what you are talking about I’ll have to guess which you are talking about.

Also, how do I increase the area of influence for proportional edit tool.
Mouse scroll wheel or PageUp