🚀 go-pugleaf

--------------25E501CECB54F18C04613929
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=iso-8859-1
Content-Transfer-Encoding: 8bit

Excerpt from Cox's page.


> 20Q. What does the software on the Cox CD-ROM do to my computer?
> 20A. The Cox software configures the Internet Explorer browser and your computer�s network settings to connect to the Cox High Speed Internet service. The software then adds your cox.net email address in Outlook Express and adds Cox newsgroup access. Your current @Home news and email settings are still active
>
For answers to more common questions about Cox's conversion, go to
http://www.cox.com/info/supportFAQs.asp

   The CD is sent out because man people aren't familiar with their network
settings, obviously.

   On the issue of cross-training. Most cable companies are now training their
technicians on the principles of broadband technology as well as basic
troubleshooting steps to take when something occurs. Most computers won't have a
problem with lack of IRQ's; when it does happen, most of the techs I know can
resolve it, unless there just isn't one they can use. If they can't they call
for help from somebody who can. The rarity of that happening doesn't justify a
separate technician just to install a NIC; I don't mind assisting with a few
service calls when something like that pops up.

  I am aware that "sometimes" the NIC will try to share an IRQ. That is not a
common issue. I've seen a situation like that 5 or 6 times in 3 years. Most
instances I have seen will not enable the card. Once again, if a tech has an
unusual circumstance, there is usually another tech with a little more knowledge
he can call upon to help resolve the issue.

    The HP, Compaq, E-machines, etc... were made to cater to those who don't
want to tear into a PC. Most new ones now come with NIC cards already installed.
If the machine is working properly, yet doesn't have an available IRQ, it has
probably been modified by the owner. As I think I stated before, the only real
instance I've seen where there wasn't any IRQ available was with the case of an
onboard video card which needed a loop through graphics acelerator. I believe it
had a PCI card for USB ports as well. That is not a common problem, especially
in newer computers.

   The most common issues with installing NICs stem from computers that had
problems before the installer ever arrived. Many of those problems make
themselves obvious when booting the systemm so installers are supposed to have
the customer shut down and do a reboot before they begin.. It would be a good
idea to look at the device manager as well to check for flags before opening the
machine, but an installer can do that as well.

   If you don't want an outside tech in your system, that is great. Nobody is
going to tell you not install your own card. It is only done as a courtesy to
the customer to diminish the cost of getting the service. Ethernet cards usually
go in very easily so the cable companies decided to go ahead and have the
installer put them in. If they were all going to hire a special tech to do
nothing but install NICs all day, they would have to increase the installation
cost to the consumer. Some companies do it that way, but you will find the
computer guy often does double duty himself when not installing NICs.




PC Medic wrote:

> "Brian" <bswindle@charter.net> wrote in message
> news:3C6E9AC8.41A0EAB4@charter.net...
> >    The CD Charter Pipeline uses configures network settings such as DHCP
> and
> > DNS, as well as e-mail servers and newsgroup server settings. It does
> install a
> > branded version of Internet Explorer, but those who know their system can
> remove
> > the logo of it bothers them that much. The Charter CD also checks some
> registry
> > values, such as the DefaultRcvWindow, to make sure they are still at
> default.
> > Many dial-up internet optimizer programs scale those settings back to
> improve
> > performance over a slow network, putting a poor cap on your speed. That is
> just
> > one advantage to using the supplied software when setting up a cable modem
> > connection. If a person is comfortable with doing those things manually
> there is
> > no need to use the CD, but not everyone is.
> >
> >    I see on the Cox  home page that their CD is advertised to do the same
> thing.
> > Are you saying that is not correct, or have you actually used the CD
> yourself?
> > Obviously, there would be little sense to sending out the CD if it didn't
> do
> > anything at all; which is what you seem to be implying. It doesn't
> configure
> > Netscape settings, but it does get IE and Outlook Express up and running.
>
> Please provide the URL where it states the CD configures all your network
> settings.
>
> The CD installs and configures a Cox branded version of IE/OE along with
> other various troubleshooting utilities. They send it out because contrary
> to your beliefs, the majority of internet users coming on line to day are
> clueless when it comes to completing what others may consider a simple task.
> This is a result of the PC being pushed in every store from Wal-Mart to Best
> buy as a home appliance.
> Everybody's gotta have one, but once they get them, they don't know what
> they are going to do with it.
>
> >
> >    Installation of the NIC card and connection to the modem is actually a
> > painless process and there is no reason a cable installer with basic
> computer
> > knowledge shouldn't be able to complete the entire job, without an
> additional
> > trip being necessary. That is not 'cross-training';  just training an
> installer
> > to do the entire job.
>
> It's "cross-training" if you are using a cable TV installer to install
> broadband.
> I have seen cable techs that could not tell you the difference between a ISA
> and a PCI slot. And why should they, it was never their job and they may not
> have any personal interest in PC's outside of work either. If the NIC is not
> already installed, is the "Cable Guy" going to know enough to verify the
> customer has an available IRQ "BEFORE" he starts reconfiguring their system.
> Is the cable guy going to be familiar enough with PC's to know that simply
> shutting down the PC is not sufficient when installing an expansion card?,
> or is he going to plug the card in while there is still voltage on the slots
> as is the case in ATX boards.
> So yes, cross training is needed.
>
> From my experience, the only time there is a problem is if
> > the computer already has a problem or doesn't have the resources needed to
> work
> > with the ethernet card (ie... lack of IRQ's, due to peripherals, or hard
> drive
> > space).  It is the customers' responsibility to make sure they have a
> properly
> > functioning machine for the NIC to be installed in.
>
> A machine that has no open IRQ for an additional card to be installed is
> indeed functioning properly.
> But again, the average Joe doesn't have a clue as to what an IRQ is, let
> alone if they have one available.
> At this point it becomes the installers job to determine this BEFORE he
> fudges the system by creating resource conclicts.
>
>  Registry and hardware
> > problems are not the responsibility of the installer to correct. SOP is
> for the
> > installer to have the customer shut down and reboot the PC before any work
> is
> > done; if it has any errors on start-up, the installer should politely
> inform the
> > customer they need to have the problem corrected and call back to
> reschedule the
> > installation. Many times I've seen an install attempted where a person
> said "Oh
> > it's always done that, I just click through it", only to hear claims later
> that
> > the installer messed up the PC because the sound card or printer didn't
> work
> > after the card was installed. Often it turns out there were not enough
> IRQ's
> > available, the PC had dead slots on the board, or the registry was
> corrupted.
> > That's why it's better to prevent bad feelings ahead of time and politely
> inform
> > the customer that we can't proceed with the installation until the
> computer
> > issue has been resolved.
>
> Of course if the system has errors on boot then you would possibly not
> proceed (depending on the type of error), but, rebooting a PC is NOT going
> to tell the installer that there is an available IRQ. And if he is not
> trained to verify there is one, the customer probably will be calling after
> he leaves to complain about lost sound, or other issues.
>
> >
> >    Basically, the installer isn't there to fix the computer; just to add a
> NIC
> > to a properly functioning PC. Anything beyond that is not his job. If the
> > machine won't accept a NIC it has a problem, and the customer needs to
> have that
> > problem corrected themselves.
>
> You obviously aren't aware that the system will almost always accept the NIC
> even if it attempts to share the IRQ with another device. What two devices
> should never share resources with another device, yet Windows will report
> they are functioning properly?
>
> > What you are saying, is that you want the cable
> > company to send out a computer technician who is able to correct problems
> with
> > your PC that existed before they attempted to install the cable modem
> service.
>
> No, actually I said I do not let outside techs in my system at all. I am
> saying that the technicians being sent out should know how to resolve things
> like a simple IRQ conflict in the PC should one occur after the install of
> the NIC. Even in a system with an available IRQ (and in the proper range for
> a NIC) can have a conflict occur after the card is installed. Or do you feel
> that the tech should say "Hey, broadband is working great!, sorry we screwed
> up your printing services though".
>
> > The installation of a NIC in a 'properly functioning' PC is almost
> automatic and
> > just about anybody could do it if they aren't afraid to open their
> computer up.
>
> "almost", and "just about", only count in Horse Shoes and Hand Gernades!
> And you continue to verify what I am saying. It is not a perfect world when
> it comes to PC's. That is why plug-n-play is often called plug-n-pray, AND
> why the tech does need to be cross-trained with basic PC knowledge.
>
> >
> > PC Medic wrote:
> >
> > > "atakicker" <nospam@nospam.net> wrote in message
> > > news:gXib8.10520$SJ3.387856@news1.east.cox.net...
> > > >
> > > > "PC Medic" wrote in message
> > > > > The person dropping the cable should not be the same person
> installing
> > > the
> > > > > cable modem.
> > > > > If you do not have a drop already in the room where the PC will be,
> it
> > > > > should have been scheduled separate from the PC and modem
> configuration.
> > > >
> > > >     Not in my world. I had cable TV and internet installed on the same
> > > day.
> > > > One guy came out and ran the drop from the pole to the house and
> hooked up
> > > > the TV. Later that day another one came out and ran from the box under
> the
> > > > eave of the house (which was installed by the first guy) to the
> computer,
> > > > which is in a different room. The only thing he didn't do was drill
> > > through
> > > > the cinder block wall. I did it for him because I have a 100 pound
> mean
> > > a__
> > > > dog in the yard. (But I did use his tools). And he did have a problem,
> he
> > > > screwed up my irq settings and couldn't get my sound card to work.
> After
> > > 45
> > > > minutes of watching him scratch his head and three calls to someone
> (?), I
> > > > ran him off and reset everything myself.
> > >
> > > Sounds like they are having trouble getting broadband installers in your
> > > area and may be cross-training cable techs. This is not the desired (or
> SOP)
> > > method but unfortunately done in some areas. I must say that you were
> brave
> > > in the fact that you even let him touch your PC! I would not do this and
> > > would have stopped them at the modem. Anything beyond there becomes,
> "excuse
> > > me while I make the required settings".
> > >
> > > By the way, Why didn't he just use the magic CD?   :)
> > > These types of  problems are exactly why I was telling the "Cox
> Contractor"
> > > that YES, they do need networking knowledge, because contrary to his
> claims,
> > > the CD is not a fix all and only configures you IE and Outlook Express
> not
> > > your network or hardware settings.
> > >
> > > >
> > > >
> >

--------------25E501CECB54F18C04613929
Content-Type: text/html; charset=iso-8859-1
Content-Transfer-Encoding: 8bit

<!doctype html public "-//w3c//dtd html 4.0 transitional//en">
<html>
Excerpt from Cox's page.
<br>&nbsp;
<blockquote TYPE=CITE>
<pre>20Q. What does the software on the Cox CD-ROM do to my computer?
20A. The Cox software configures the Internet Explorer browser and your computer�s network settings to connect to the Cox High Speed Internet service. The software then adds your cox.net email address in Outlook Express and adds Cox newsgroup access. Your current @Home news and email settings are still active</pre>
</blockquote>
For answers to more common questions about Cox's conversion, go to&nbsp;
<a href="http://www.cox.com/info/supportFAQs.asp">http://www.cox.com/info/supportFAQs.asp</a>
<p>&nbsp;&nbsp; The CD is sent out because man people aren't familiar with
their network settings, obviously.
<p>&nbsp;&nbsp; On the issue of cross-training. Most cable companies are
now training their technicians on the principles of broadband technology
as well as basic troubleshooting steps to take when something occurs. Most
computers won't have a problem with lack of IRQ's; when it does happen,
most of the techs I know can resolve it, unless there just isn't one they
can use. If they can't they call for help from somebody who can. The rarity
of that happening doesn't justify a separate technician just to install
a NIC; I don't mind assisting with a few service calls when something like
that pops up.
<br>&nbsp;
<br>&nbsp; I am aware that "sometimes" the NIC will try to share an IRQ.
That is not a common issue. I've seen a situation like that 5 or 6 times
in 3 years. Most instances I have seen will not enable the card. Once again,
if a tech has an unusual circumstance, there is usually another tech with
a little more knowledge he can call upon to help resolve the issue.
<p>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; The HP, Compaq, E-machines, etc... were made to cater
to those who don't want to tear into a PC. Most new ones now come with
NIC cards already installed. If the machine is working properly, yet doesn't
have an available IRQ, it has probably been modified by the owner. As I
think I stated before, the only real instance I've seen where there wasn't
any IRQ available was with the case of an onboard video card which needed
a loop through graphics acelerator. I believe it had a PCI card for USB
ports as well. That is not a common problem, especially in newer computers.
<p>&nbsp;&nbsp; The most common issues with installing NICs stem from computers
that had problems before the installer ever arrived. Many of those problems
make themselves obvious when booting the systemm so installers are supposed
to have the customer shut down and do a reboot before they begin.. It would
be a good idea to look at the device manager as well to check for flags
before opening the machine, but an installer can do that as well.
<p>&nbsp;&nbsp; If you don't want an outside tech in your system, that
is great. Nobody is going to tell you not install your own card. It is
only done as a courtesy to the customer to diminish the cost of getting
the service. Ethernet cards usually go in very easily so the cable companies
decided to go ahead and have the installer put them in. If they were all
going to hire a special tech to do nothing but install NICs all day, they
would have to increase the installation cost to the consumer. Some companies
do it that way, but you will find the computer guy often does double duty
himself when not installing NICs.
<br>&nbsp;
<br>&nbsp;
<br>&nbsp;
<p>PC Medic wrote:
<blockquote TYPE=CITE>"Brian" &lt;bswindle@charter.net> wrote in message
<br><a href="news:3C6E9AC8.41A0EAB4@charter.net">news:3C6E9AC8.41A0EAB4@charter.net</a>...
<br>>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; The CD Charter Pipeline uses configures network
settings such as DHCP
<br>and
<br>> DNS, as well as e-mail servers and newsgroup server settings. It
does
<br>install a
<br>> branded version of Internet Explorer, but those who know their system
can
<br>remove
<br>> the logo of it bothers them that much. The Charter CD also checks
some
<br>registry
<br>> values, such as the DefaultRcvWindow, to make sure they are still
at
<br>default.
<br>> Many dial-up internet optimizer programs scale those settings back
to
<br>improve
<br>> performance over a slow network, putting a poor cap on your speed.
That is
<br>just
<br>> one advantage to using the supplied software when setting up a cable
modem
<br>> connection. If a person is comfortable with doing those things manually
<br>there is
<br>> no need to use the CD, but not everyone is.
<br>>
<br>>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; I see on the Cox&nbsp; home page that their CD
is advertised to do the same
<br>thing.
<br>> Are you saying that is not correct, or have you actually used the
CD
<br>yourself?
<br>> Obviously, there would be little sense to sending out the CD if it
didn't
<br>do
<br>> anything at all; which is what you seem to be implying. It doesn't
<br>configure
<br>> Netscape settings, but it does get IE and Outlook Express up and
running.
<p>Please provide the URL where it states the CD configures all your network
<br>settings.
<p>The CD installs and configures a Cox branded version of IE/OE along
with
<br>other various troubleshooting utilities. They send it out because contrary
<br>to your beliefs, the majority of internet users coming on line to day
are
<br>clueless when it comes to completing what others may consider a simple
task.
<br>This is a result of the PC being pushed in every store from Wal-Mart
to Best
<br>buy as a home appliance.
<br>Everybody's gotta have one, but once they get them, they don't know
what
<br>they are going to do with it.
<p>>
<br>>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Installation of the NIC card and connection to
the modem is actually a
<br>> painless process and there is no reason a cable installer with basic
<br>computer
<br>> knowledge shouldn't be able to complete the entire job, without an
<br>additional
<br>> trip being necessary. That is not 'cross-training';&nbsp; just training
an
<br>installer
<br>> to do the entire job.
<p>It's "cross-training" if you are using a cable TV installer to install
<br>broadband.
<br>I have seen cable techs that could not tell you the difference between
a ISA
<br>and a PCI slot. And why should they, it was never their job and they
may not
<br>have any personal interest in PC's outside of work either. If the NIC
is not
<br>already installed, is the "Cable Guy" going to know enough to verify
the
<br>customer has an available IRQ "BEFORE" he starts reconfiguring their
system.
<br>Is the cable guy going to be familiar enough with PC's to know that
simply
<br>shutting down the PC is not sufficient when installing an expansion
card?,
<br>or is he going to plug the card in while there is still voltage on
the slots
<br>as is the case in ATX boards.
<br>So yes, cross training is needed.
<p>From my experience, the only time there is a problem is if
<br>> the computer already has a problem or doesn't have the resources
needed to
<br>work
<br>> with the ethernet card (ie... lack of IRQ's, due to peripherals,
or hard
<br>drive
<br>> space).&nbsp; It is the customers' responsibility to make sure they
have a
<br>properly
<br>> functioning machine for the NIC to be installed in.
<p>A machine that has no open IRQ for an additional card to be installed
is
<br>indeed functioning properly.
<br>But again, the average Joe doesn't have a clue as to what an IRQ is,
let
<br>alone if they have one available.
<br>At this point it becomes the installers job to determine this BEFORE
he
<br>fudges the system by creating resource conclicts.
<p>&nbsp;Registry and hardware
<br>> problems are not the responsibility of the installer to correct.
SOP is
<br>for the
<br>> installer to have the customer shut down and reboot the PC before
any work
<br>is
<br>> done; if it has any errors on start-up, the installer should politely
<br>inform the
<br>> customer they need to have the problem corrected and call back to
<br>reschedule the
<br>> installation. Many times I've seen an install attempted where a person
<br>said "Oh
<br>> it's always done that, I just click through it", only to hear claims
later
<br>that
<br>> the installer messed up the PC because the sound card or printer
didn't
<br>work
<br>> after the card was installed. Often it turns out there were not enough
<br>IRQ's
<br>> available, the PC had dead slots on the board, or the registry was
<br>corrupted.
<br>> That's why it's better to prevent bad feelings ahead of time and
politely
<br>inform
<br>> the customer that we can't proceed with the installation until the
<br>computer
<br>> issue has been resolved.
<p>Of course if the system has errors on boot then you would possibly not
<br>proceed (depending on the type of error), but, rebooting a PC is NOT
going
<br>to tell the installer that there is an available IRQ. And if he is
not
<br>trained to verify there is one, the customer probably will be calling
after
<br>he leaves to complain about lost sound, or other issues.
<p>>
<br>>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Basically, the installer isn't there to fix the
computer; just to add a
<br>NIC
<br>> to a properly functioning PC. Anything beyond that is not his job.
If the
<br>> machine won't accept a NIC it has a problem, and the customer needs
to
<br>have that
<br>> problem corrected themselves.
<p>You obviously aren't aware that the system will almost always accept
the NIC
<br>even if it attempts to share the IRQ with another device. What two
devices
<br>should never share resources with another device, yet Windows will
report
<br>they are functioning properly?
<p>> What you are saying, is that you want the cable
<br>> company to send out a computer technician who is able to correct
problems
<br>with
<br>> your PC that existed before they attempted to install the cable modem
<br>service.
<p>No, actually I said I do not let outside techs in my system at all.
I am
<br>saying that the technicians being sent out should know how to resolve
things
<br>like a simple IRQ conflict in the PC should one occur after the install
of
<br>the NIC. Even in a system with an available IRQ (and in the proper
range for
<br>a NIC) can have a conflict occur after the card is installed. Or do
you feel
<br>that the tech should say "Hey, broadband is working great!, sorry we
screwed
<br>up your printing services though".
<p>> The installation of a NIC in a 'properly functioning' PC is almost
<br>automatic and
<br>> just about anybody could do it if they aren't afraid to open their
<br>computer up.
<p>"almost", and "just about", only count in Horse Shoes and Hand Gernades!
<br>And you continue to verify what I am saying. It is not a perfect world
when
<br>it comes to PC's. That is why plug-n-play is often called plug-n-pray,
AND
<br>why the tech does need to be cross-trained with basic PC knowledge.
<p>>
<br>> PC Medic wrote:
<br>>
<br>> > "atakicker" &lt;nospam@nospam.net> wrote in message
<br>> > <a href="news:gXib8.10520$SJ3.387856@news1.east.cox.net">news:gXib8.10520$SJ3.387856@news1.east.cox.net</a>...
<br>> > >
<br>> > > "PC Medic" wrote in message
<br>> > > > The person dropping the cable should not be the same person
<br>installing
<br>> > the
<br>> > > > cable modem.
<br>> > > > If you do not have a drop already in the room where the PC
will be,
<br>it
<br>> > > > should have been scheduled separate from the PC and modem
<br>configuration.
<br>> > >
<br>> > >&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Not in my world. I had cable TV and internet
installed on the same
<br>> > day.
<br>> > > One guy came out and ran the drop from the pole to the house
and
<br>hooked up
<br>> > > the TV. Later that day another one came out and ran from the
box under
<br>the
<br>> > > eave of the house (which was installed by the first guy) to the
<br>computer,
<br>> > > which is in a different room. The only thing he didn't do was
drill
<br>> > through
<br>> > > the cinder block wall. I did it for him because I have a 100
pound
<br>mean
<br>> > a__
<br>> > > dog in the yard. (But I did use his tools). And he did have a
problem,
<br>he
<br>> > > screwed up my irq settings and couldn't get my sound card to
work.
<br>After
<br>> > 45
<br>> > > minutes of watching him scratch his head and three calls to someone
<br>(?), I
<br>> > > ran him off and reset everything myself.
<br>> >
<br>> > Sounds like they are having trouble getting broadband installers
in your
<br>> > area and may be cross-training cable techs. This is not the desired
(or
<br>SOP)
<br>> > method but unfortunately done in some areas. I must say that you
were
<br>brave
<br>> > in the fact that you even let him touch your PC! I would not do
this and
<br>> > would have stopped them at the modem. Anything beyond there becomes,
<br>"excuse
<br>> > me while I make the required settings".
<br>> >
<br>> > By the way, Why didn't he just use the magic CD?&nbsp;&nbsp; :)
<br>> > These types of&nbsp; problems are exactly why I was telling the
"Cox
<br>Contractor"
<br>> > that YES, they do need networking knowledge, because contrary to
his
<br>claims,
<br>> > the CD is not a fix all and only configures you IE and Outlook
Express
<br>not
<br>> > your network or hardware settings.
<br>> >
<br>> > >
<br>> > >
<br>></blockquote>
</html>

--------------25E501CECB54F18C04613929--